The Lord will not let the righteous go hungry,
but he denies the wicked what they crave.
Proverbs 10:3
Observation: In a chapter explicitly said to be Solomon's proverbs, he makes this observation about how the Lord cares for the righteous versus the wicked. The righteous are satisfied; the Lord will never let them go hungry. However, the wicked are never satisfied; he denies them whatever they crave.
However, there is an element of this that is found in other proverbs, other bible stories, and even the New Testament teachings. Righteous people ARE satisfied. They do not covet nor chase after things of this world. They find comfort and peace in the hands of God. In this manner, they do not go hungry because they simply do not have wants that extend beyond their means. Conversely, wicked people are never satisfied. They covet and desire a great many things. Once they have something they want, they want more, and they scheme and plan how they can get it. In this manner, they always crave because they simply want more and more.
There is a wisdom to be found in exploring which comes first. Is a righteous person satisfied because everything they want has been provided to them, or do they simply have no wants and therefore are satisfied? Does a wicked person crave more because what they want is withheld from them, or does their wicked want for more produce craving?
Application: I fall into a trap of wanting more sometimes. I was doing it just last night, exploring ideas of houses I could never have. The truth is, I don't really even want to live in the place I was looking at (Kauai), and the homes I could afford are no more than what I already own, just with an ocean view (and corresponding mortgage-payment-size monthly HOA fees).
It doesn't make me wicked to look. It would make me wicked if I pursued the actions needed to obtain such possessions. Instead, I know very well that the Lord has given me just what I need, where I need it, and will continue to provide for our modest comfort. I never go hungry. I pray I also never crave.
Prayer: Lord, I say it again, may I never crave. Help me to never fall into the trap of covetousness, but instead always be content in your provision and blessing. I know there is no better life than one simply cared for by you, my father, my daddy, my Lord. Amen.
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