Danger of Prosperity

In Psalm 119:67, David wrote that when he enjoyed prosperity he strayed from the path of obedience, but after suffering affliction he kept God’s word.  Here we have the danger of prosperity and the necessity of affliction.  What did suffering do, that prosperity did not, to keep him faithful to God’s word?  When we wander from the truth, the course God takes is often to bring suffering into our lives.  Afflictions change us, making our hearts teachable and dependent on God.  They drive us to make better use of His word.    Although affliction is not pleasant, and can be very grievous, the effect of unbroken prosperity is often far worse.  Although prosperity is good in itself, we are so sinful by nature that it can be a deadly danger to us.