In spite of human sinfulness, God carries out the work of our redemption. On Wednesday we read how God refused to let David build the Temple. God chose David as King but, knowing David's sinfulness, chose not to do everything according to David's mind. Today we see an example of David's sinfulness. His way of getting rid of Urriah was particularly evil as it was so premeditated. His sin was a sin of strength, an abuse of his power and authority for his own selfish ends.

Not all sins arise from strength and power. Many sins arise from our human weakness. We should never be complacent about sin in any shape or form, but at least we may surmise that God more easily forgives our sins of weakness. Perhaps we can say that this is part of the blessedness of the poor. People who have no power and authority, no wealth or worldly goods, are not generally in danger of the sins arising from them, though there is always the danger of sins related to them, sins of covetousness and greed, injustice and cruelty even if on a smaller scale.