Psalm
140 reminds me of the response to taunting that children have been
taught for decades, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but
words will never harm me”. In truth, we know how powerful words
can be, particularly the words of those closest to us. Hurtful words
spoken in anger and intentional lies can both be destructive. This
psalm of David could have been written about any time in his life.
After killing Goliath on the battlefield as a youth, he developed
enemies on both sides; jealousy by his kinsman as well as hatred by
his enemies. He begins, “Rescue
me, O LORD, from evil men“.
Interestingly, he does not specify which group he is referring to!
Can spreading rumors be evil? He adds, “Protect
me
from
men of violence who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war
every day“.
David considers this kind of scheming war-planning. And notice the
weapons of their warfare, “tongues
as sharp as a serpent’s;
the
poison of vipers is on their lips“.
This might be the hardest thing to accept in the entire book of
Psalms, but the
most important tool in David’s arsenal was prayer.
It does not dull, it will not jam and it is always close at hand.
He prays simply, “Keep
me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked“.
Are you running low on ammo?
David
continues his prayer, “Protect
me from men of violence
who
plan to trip my feet“.
Not all attacks are easy to spot; some “have
hidden a snare… and have set traps for me along my path“.
In today’s world where it seems every word and action is recorded,
we are easily baited to respond. These snares can be found in career
paths and relationship paths. I find the best way to avoid being
drawn into a snare is to add a positive statement. The rumor mill is
never destroyed by silence, but a few words of praise can put a halt
to gossip. David wisely reminds himself and anyone else listening,
“You
are my God. Hear… my cry for mercy“.
I believe David knew that he was not clever enough on his own to
avoid all of the traps and trouble. Like David, we are not perfect.
David’s healing always began with seeking God’s forgiveness
first.
It
is not until the very end that David focuses on his enemies, “O
Lord; do not let their plans succeed, or they will become
proud“.
He adds, let them “be
covered with the trouble their lips have caused“.
Maybe you know that feeling? David continues, “Let
burning coals fall upon them… may disaster hunt down men of
violence“.
Romans chapter 12 instructs followers of Christ, “Do
not take revenge“.
It is far too easy to get stuck in that retaliation cycle. Instead
we are instructed, “If
your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something
to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good“.
You see, there is an alternative to reloading. We can use our words
to lift up one another and to give God our praise. “The
righteous will praise Your name and the upright will live before
You“.
What words will you choose today?