Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Psalm 73:1-3
“If a man prospers more than you, be not grieved, but pray also for him, that he may have perfect prosperity. For perchance it is expedient for you thus; and if he be further exalted, be not envious, remembering that all flesh shall die: and offer praise to God, who gives things good and profitable to all men. Seek out the judgments of the Lord, and so shall your mind rest and be at peace. And though a man become rich by evil means, even as Esau the brother of my father, be not jealous; but wait for the end of the Lord. For either He takes His benefits away from the wicked, or leaves them still to the repentant, or to the unrepentant reserves punishment for ever. For the poor man who is free from envy, giving thanks to the Lord in all things, is rich among all men, because he has not evil jealousy of men. Put away, therefore, hatred from your souls, and love one another with uprightness of heart.”
Testament of Gad, Concerning Hatred 9.7 (second century BC). I hope you have enjoyed exploring excerpts of these documents that may have shaped the thinking of early church Christians with Jewish roots. Only a few more of the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs to go.
The Testament of Gad echoes Asaph the Psalmist in exhorting us not to focus on those that are prospering but rather to focus on the Lord, giving thanks for all the good things He provides for us. It’s not easy though. We think God should bless the good and shower nothing good on the wicked. What’s the pathway to peace? It’s only found in reflecting on the goodness of God and then extending that to others in love with uprightness of heart. God help us live with uprightness of heart, so that your generosity will shine through us regardless of our circumstances!