Man's Wrath
and God's Praise
Scripture Reading: Psalm 76
Verse 10 declares, “Surely the wrath of man shall praise you…”
The first question that comes to mind when I read this is “what in the world can that possibly mean?” At first glance, it seems to suggest that man’s wrath is a good thing and something to be admired in some strange way. When we compare Scripture to Scripture, we realize that can’t be the right understanding of this verse. The Bible is clear. “The wrath of man works not the righteousness of God,” is the way James puts it.
So, what does this mean? I think the best way to understand what the Psalmist is saying is to compare it to other verses that are clearer. Take for example Romans 8:28. That’s one most Christians know by heart. “All things work together for good…” Paul goes on to give us a list of the kinds of things he had in mind. “Tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword,” are all things meant to do us harm, but God in His sovereign mercy, wisdom, and power works for good what the world and the devil meant for evil. Paul is not saying that tribulation, distress, persecution, etc. are good in themselves. He is saying these bad things God sovereignly turns for good.
Similarly, man’s wrath poured out against God and His people is turned on its head and used as a means through which God is praised. How is that possible? Well, the simplistic answer (which is true in an Occam’s Razor kind of way) is it happens because God is omnipotent and all-wise. He can make it happen. In a more nuanced way, I would say that it happens because man’s wrath is another opportunity for God’s character to be displayed.
Think of it like this: what does mankind do that becomes the trigger for the display of God’s amazing grace? What does mankind add to the equation? We contribute the sin, evil, and wickedness that becomes the opportunity for God to display His grace, mercy, and yes, His just wrath. In other words, the very things we mean as a fist in the face of God and a puny rebellion against the King of Heaven, God turns around and uses to show His great nature.
And so, as a result of mankind’s wickedness, billions of people will gather this Lord’s Day and sing songs of praise like “Amazing Grace,” All Hail the Power of Jesus Name,” and “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.”
Man rages, God responds, and people praise. “Surely the wrath of man shall praise you…”
