There is a Chinese saying: “People die for money, just as birds die for food” （人为财死，鸟为食亡）. It reminds us that greed can drive people to harm themselves. Another saying goes: “With money you can even make the devil work, but without it even a hero is helpless” （有钱能使鬼推磨，无钱难倒英雄汉）. This shows how much influence and power people give to wealth. A third saying states: “Winners become kings, losers become outlaws” （成者为王，败者为寇）. It reflects a world where fairness and justice are often ignored, and only success or failure seems to matter.

These sayings are simple, yet they capture a profound truth: human nature is weak, and living with integrity in a fallen world is difficult. They reflect the reality of human sinfulness. The Bible confirms this truth: humanity is fully fallen, and every part of us is touched by sin. As Scripture says, “We were also all among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh, following its desires and thoughts. Like everyone else, we were deserving of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3).

Psalm 106 shows the same patterns of human failure:

• They quickly forgot God’s works (v. 13).

• They gave in to their desires in the wilderness (v. 14).

• They envied God’s chosen leaders, Moses and Aaron (v. 16).

• They worshiped the golden calf, exchanging God’s glory for an idol (vv. 19–20).

• They refused to enter the Promised Land and complained in their tents (vv. 24–25).

• They lived among other nations and followed their practices (vv. 35–36).

Because of our sinful nature, life is often full of schemes, sabotage, and compromise. Even worse, the world often seems to reward cunning and deceit rather than honesty and integrity.

Yet the Bible gives us hope. Psalm 106 reminds us that even when God’s people sinned again and again, He still saved them repeatedly (vv. 4, 8, 10, 43). We only need to cry out to Him: “Save us, Lord our God” (v. 47).

Even in a world that often ignores integrity, God’s steadfast love and mercy never fail. He calls us not to rely on human wisdom or ways but to trust completely in His guidance and faithfulness.

Reflection

• How often do I follow my own desires instead of God’s ways?

• Am I relying on God’s mercy or my own strength?

• Most importantly, do I turn to Him and call out for His help?

Prayer

Lord, forgive me for following my own desires and relying on myself. Help me turn to You, trust Your mercy, and live with integrity. May I always give thanks and praise You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.