Genuine Possession
The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives; for those blessed by the LORD shall inherit the land.
PSALM 37:21-22
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Genuine Possession
This is a comforting difference among possessions. Not only are the possessions of the wicked perishable and transitory, but they are evil and damnable possessions, because they have only been heaped up and have not been distributed to those in need. This violates the nature of possessions. The possessions of the righteous, on the other hand, not only have no end—because he trusts in God and waits for his possessions from Him—but they are truly useful possessions which are distributed to others and are not just heaped up. Thus he has enough, even without temporal grain, and gives enough to others too. This is a genuine possession. Even though you may not have much, it is God-pleasing and useful.
From Four Psalms of Comfort, on Psalm 37 (Luther's Works 14:219)
May 19
PSALM 37:21-22
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Genuine Possession
This is a comforting difference among possessions. Not only are the possessions of the wicked perishable and transitory, but they are evil and damnable possessions, because they have only been heaped up and have not been distributed to those in need. This violates the nature of possessions. The possessions of the righteous, on the other hand, not only have no end—because he trusts in God and waits for his possessions from Him—but they are truly useful possessions which are distributed to others and are not just heaped up. Thus he has enough, even without temporal grain, and gives enough to others too. This is a genuine possession. Even though you may not have much, it is God-pleasing and useful.
From Four Psalms of Comfort, on Psalm 37 (Luther's Works 14:219)
May 19
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