Futility of Earthly Ambition

All the horns of the wicked I will also cut off, but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.
Psalm 75:10

Recommended Reading
Proverbs 24:1-22


Nineteenth century Bible scholar G. S. Bowes once pointed out the futility of earthly ambition: "Alexander the Great was not satisfied, even when he had completely subdued the nations. He wept because there were no more worlds to conquer, and he died at an early age in a state of debauchery. Hannibal, who filled three bushels with the gold rings taken from the knights he had defeated, committed suicide by swallowing poison. Julius Caesar, 'staining his garments in the blood of one million of his foes,' conquered eight hundred cities, only to be stabbed by his best friends at the scene of his greatest triumph. Napoleon, the feared conqueror, after being the scourge of Europe, spent his last years in banishment."

At times, it seems wicked people experience success and blessing and we can be tempted to feel this is unfair. But the Bible tells us not to envy these people because they are receiving their reward here on earth, whereas "those who wait on the LORD...they shall inherit the earth" (Psalm 37:9).

It's difficult to be patient, but we must remember that no temporal success or blessing can compare with the eternal inheritance that awaits us with Christ Jesus.

The Lord knows the days of the upright; and their inheritance shall be forever.
King David