The prophet Malachi speaks of two of the more subtle temptations which can face us: the temptation to self-justification or some form of denial and the temptation to lose hope.

There is our inclination to denial and self-justification. When the prophet accuses the people of defying God in word, they immediately seek to justify themselves with a defiant question against God: "What have we spoken against you?" The question implies a denial that they have ever defied God in word, but ironically by asking the question they are once again defying God in word.

The second subtle temptation is one that is repeated several times in the Old Testament. It is essentially a matter of losing hope in the face of so many injustices in the world. Jeremiah, who suffered greatly, asked, "Why do sinners live so prosperously and why do scoundrels enjoy peace?" (Jer 12:1). It is the temptation to wonder what is the point of serving God, since "the proud are blessed and evildoers are prosperous." It is a struggle between faith and doubt, a struggle with disappointment and failure.

These temptations are best met by the Psalmist's deeper spiritual understanding: "Happy are they who hope in the Lord."