These Three Remain


This is what the wicked are like— always free of care, they go on amassing wealth. Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence ~ Psalm 73:12-13


A wise man long ago bemoaned the thought
that those who seek the paths of righteousness 
so often struggle mightily. Their lot
seems only to be wreathed in hopelessness.

Meanwhile, the wicked reap rich dividends
while disregarding others' poverty -
they'll use whatever means may suit their ends,
neglecting justice, love, humility.

Believers know "these three remain" to guide
up peaks appearing insurmountable:
Faith is that trust in Him who walks beside;
Hope is that blessed wealth uncountable;

and Love, which guides us to eternity -
For "God is love", the greatest of the three.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2023



Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 9/21/2024 3:12:00 PM
I enjoyed discussing this thoughtful, spiritual poem today in our writing group, John! I love the progression in your poem from temporal “rewards” that the wicked reap to eternal rewards that believers receive…faith, hope and love. Favorite lines, “Believers know “three things remain” to guide, up peaks appearing insurmountable.” Stellar! A fave! :)
Login to Reply
Date: 1/27/2024 10:46:00 AM
Lovely write John very eloquently written many blessings.
Login to Reply
Date: 1/7/2024 9:55:00 AM
Wow those certainly are the big three, John. I guess I commented before. Let's see if you have other new ones for me to see
Login to Reply
Date: 1/4/2024 6:53:00 PM
A FAV for my list. Love is enough for me, but it takes faith and hope to make it through the gauntlet we call life. Thanks for sharing the word and your poetry with us, John. Happy New Year, my friend. Have a great 2024! Bill
Login to Reply
Date: 12/31/2023 12:36:00 PM
Wow this is so great and inspiring. .loved your meticulous way with meter and enjambment. This would sure look good on a Xmas card. Fave!
Login to Reply
Date: 12/26/2023 11:19:00 AM
What a beautiful Christmas reflection, dear friend! Indeed these three remain and we see in the manger Christmas born of love! Somehow now that gifts are unwrapped, the Christmas meal has been eaten and chaotic schedules settled back into a normal pace we don't see that Christmas day is only the beginning. I often wonder if, having seen Jesus in the manger once, whether we would return to the stable repeatedly or say "Well, I've seen him once!" I believe we deprive ourselves the joy of the Christmas season in a one day celebration. Here's to Advent to Epiphany celebrations. Merry Christmas dear R&R Bro! Belated Birthday blessings!
Login to Reply
Date: 12/26/2023 8:57:00 AM
The poor in spirit always grieving what others need. The rich don’t give things a second thought. So helpful.
Login to Reply
Get a Premium Membership
Get more exposure for your poetry and more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Reflection on the Important Things

Member Area

My Admin
Profile and Settings
Edit My Poems
Edit My Quotes
Edit My Short Stories
Edit My Articles
My Comments Inboxes
My Comments Outboxes
Soup Mail
Poetry Contests
Contest Results/Status
Followers
Poems of Poets I Follow
Friend Builder

Soup Social

Poetry Forum
New/Upcoming Features
The Wall
Soup Facebook Page
Who is Online
Link to Us

Member Poems

Poems - Top 100 New
Poems - Top 100 All-Time
Poems - Best
Poems - by Topic
Poems - New (All)
Poems - New (PM)
Poems - New by Poet
Poems - Read
Poems - Unread

Member Poets

Poets - Best New
Poets - New
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems Recent
Poets - Top 100 Community
Poets - Top 100 Contest

Famous Poems

Famous Poems - African American
Famous Poems - Best
Famous Poems - Classical
Famous Poems - English
Famous Poems - Haiku
Famous Poems - Love
Famous Poems - Short
Famous Poems - Top 100

Famous Poets

Famous Poets - Living
Famous Poets - Most Popular
Famous Poets - Top 100
Famous Poets - Best
Famous Poets - Women
Famous Poets - African American
Famous Poets - Beat
Famous Poets - Cinquain
Famous Poets - Classical
Famous Poets - English
Famous Poets - Haiku
Famous Poets - Hindi
Famous Poets - Jewish
Famous Poets - Love
Famous Poets - Metaphysical
Famous Poets - Modern
Famous Poets - Punjabi
Famous Poets - Romantic
Famous Poets - Spanish
Famous Poets - Suicidal
Famous Poets - Urdu
Famous Poets - War

Poetry Resources

Anagrams
Bible
Book Store
Character Counter
Cliché Finder
Poetry Clichés
Common Words
Copyright Information
Grammar
Grammar Checker
Homonym
Homophones
How to Write a Poem
Lyrics
Love Poem Generator
New Poetic Forms
Plagiarism Checker
Poetry Art
Publishing
Random Word Generator
Spell Checker
Store
What is Good Poetry?
Word Counter