This verse offers hope but is still kind of sad. Most of us are not happy to know that “the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.”
Admittedly, it’s not that God doesn’t care about them or isn’t interested in them. It’s just that their choices lead to certain consequences – and sometimes it’s just really painful.
Yet, so many of us also know that our greatest spiritual lessons often come from our most uncomfortable situations. When I really do get sick and tired of being sick and tired, there are real answers for my inner and outer struggles.
While “the righteous” aren’t perfect, they have made a true connection with God. They’ve come to understand that His plan is better than anything they’re able to put together.
Of course, that doesn’t mean they have it all together or get everything they want. But the God with whom they are now in a conscious relationship does help and guide them daily.
Consequently, they “eat to their heart’s content.” This is an appropriate translation but, if we get too literal, we might miss the message.
The verse doesn’t say the “righteous” eat till their stomach are stuffed(!) but “to their hearts’ content.” It’s less about their stomachs and more about their souls – that’s a big difference!
So, we can choose which phrase of this verse we want to live in. I’m pretty sure you know where I’m hanging!