FROM: SUNDAY’S OPEN Q & A Could you please explain 2 Peter 2:7-8 and Ps. 37:1, 7? I dont understand the word vexed and how believers are vexed in the world and yet are not supposed to fret because of evildoers. What should be the correct attitude of believers? Psalm 37:1,7 KJV [1] Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. [7] Rest in the Lord , and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. 2 Peter 2:7-8 KJV [7] And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: [8] (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) ANSWER The word fret is a good example of why we need to be careful when reading the Bible. We read that word and immediately think it is telling us not to worry about those prospering by wicked devices. But actually the word fret here is a translation from a Hebrew word that is also translated as: angry, burn, displeased, be hot, wax hot, be incensed, kindle, be wroth. After looking up how this word is used elsewhere in the Bible we quickly see that God is telling us to not get angry concerning those who are prospering through wickedness in this world. Strongs concordance also helps with the word vexed. 2 Peter 2:7,8, uses this word twice. But the 2nd time it is used it is a different word than the first instance. Verse 7 tells us that Lot was vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked. The word vexed here is #2669. This word is also translated as oppressed. Acts 7:24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian: Lot was suffering wrongfully due to the people of Sodom. They were mis-treating him. He was oppressed by them. But then in verse 8 we find another usage of vexed: For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds. In this verse, vexed is Strongs #928. 928 is the same Greek word found in Revelation 9 in reference to 5 months of torment. Its a word used for: toiling in rowing (Mark 6:48), and for birth: pained to be delivered (Revelation 12:2). And several times as tormented. The child of God is vexed (oppressed) at times in this world. God would have us to patiently endure and not to respond with anger. Likewise, the child of God may be vexed (troubled or grieved in soul) by the sins that are all around us. This is because God has given us a new soul that is perfectly pure and holy. And also due to the fact that Holy God indwells the one He has saved. The sins of this world that we once enjoyed and eagerly participated now greatly trouble us. But we have solace and comfort through God and His Word the Bible. God also encourages us that are alive and living on the earth in the Day of Judgment through this passage (2 Peter 2:7, 8). God delivered Lot out of the destruction that overtook Sodom and its inhabitants. Likewise, God will deliver all of His people out of this final destruction of the world. Here are some helpful verses for the child of God living, like Lot, in a world given over to sin: Proverbs 23:17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. 18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.
Posted on: Sat, 24 Jan 2015 11:40:49 +0000
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