The Skeptics Annotated Bible (445 page)

21
The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again
: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

(37.21)
“The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again.”
91 Is it wrong to steal?

22 For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

25 I have been young, and now am old;
yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

(37.25)
“Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?
301 Is wealth a sign of righteousness or of wickedness?

26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.

27
Depart from evil, and do good
; and dwell for evermore.

(37.27)
“Depart from evil, and do good.”
Do good. Avoid evil.

28 For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

29
The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.

(37.29) “The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.”
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?
147 Will the earth last forever?

30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

32 The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

33 The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.

34 Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.

36 Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.

37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.

39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.

40 And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

1
O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

2 For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore.

3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.

4 For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.

5 My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.

6 I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.

7 For
my loins are filled with a loathsome disease
: and there is no soundness in my flesh.

(38.7) “My loins are filled with a loathsome disease.” The author of this psalm allegedly is David. If so, then it’s not surprising that his “loins” would be “filled with a loathsome disease.” His promiscuity was legendary, and he probably didn’t practice safe sex.