What Is the Desire of the Wicked?

In pride the wicked hotly pursue the afflicted; let them be caught in the plots which they have devised. For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire, and the greedy man curses and spurns the Lord. The wicked, in the haughtiness of his countenance, does not seek Him. All his thoughts are, “There is no God.” (Psalm 10:2–4)

Today’s big question: what is the desire of the wicked?

In our last devotional we studied Psalm 14, which focused on the fool “who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever” (Romans 1:25). Today, we will expand further on why unbelievers such as atheists so defiantly renounce the true God. Why would they rather have a life of eternal separation from their Creator?

The psalmist gives many examples of what the wicked desire. First, pride is a major factor for why many unbelievers reject God. Basically, they glorify themselves instead of their Creator. They are also greedy and only care about things that will ultimately benefit themselves. They want all the riches the world can offer them, and it never seems to satisfy.

Moreover, the wicked rejoice in their selfishness. Praising your own pride is directly against the teaching of Scripture: “But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil” (James 4:16). God’s Word states that “pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). Sadly, pride will lead to the downfall of unbelievers. In their proud countenance, they refuse to submit to God. They are acting as shepherds who rely on themselves and refuse to follow the Good Shepherd.

Ironically, if they humbled themselves and received Jesus Christ as their Savior, they would be freely given the greatest benefit they could ever gain—God’s grace. However, the wicked think they can find their own way. David stated, “Why do the wicked renounce God? He has said in his heart, ‘You will not require an account’” (Psalm 10:13). Wicked people try to convince themselves that they will not be held accountable for their actions, but of course, the law written on their hearts testifies otherwise.

If we rely on ourselves rather than God, we will fail. Thankfully, the blood of Jesus Christ is sufficient to cover all of our sins. Those who are too prideful to see they need a Savior will be forever separated from God. As Christians, we should never give in to pride. With the Holy Spirit’s guidance and strength, we can humbly submit to God in all areas.

Today’s big idea: pride is the downfall of the wicked.

What to pray: ask God to help you be humble.