Devotional Portion: Psalm 5: 9-12
David gives us a few tips to identify the wicked in verse 9.
- There is no faithfulness in their mouth: Faithfulness is showing loyalty to someone or something (an ideology as well). The wicked are not stable in their ways and their heart has no communication with GOD, who is the very source of faithfulness. Faithfulness is not just a character, it is the basis of any relationship as well.
“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Matthew 12:34. - Their inward part is destruction: They speak things of destruction or they speak demotivating things that hurt those who listen to it.
- Their throat is an open tomb: Their words lack life from within.
- They flatter with their tongue: “Always beware of people who flatter you, and especially when they tell you that they do not flatter you, and that they know you cannot endure flattery, for you are then being most fulsomely flattered, so be on your guard against the tongue of the flatterer.” (Spurgeon)
Through this verse, David points out four major areas- mouth, inward part, throat and tongue- or else we can say, we can identify a wicked person by their talks. As a man of GOD, we must discern everyone who speaks to us. We should be very careful in accepting what others say. And, David prays that they may fall by their own counsel. He asks for the righteous act of GOD to happen soon as the wicked are negatively influencing others and leading people to destruction.
Though David is hurt seeing the wicked, he never forgets to praise GOD for He is righteous and as He cares for those who put their trust in Him. David also mentions the quality of men of GOD as well. They trust in Him and they love His name. They trust and love Him no matter what happens. They give undivided devotion even when wicked people rise against them. They keep loving not because situations are favorable, but because GOD is faithful.
“For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.” (Vs. 12).
With His divine nature, He protects the righteous. The greatest blessing one can have in their life is the favor from GOD. And, we can be of good cheer in this world, as GOD is guiding us with His eyes and His unending love.
When Martin Luther was on his way to face a Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church to answer to what the church said were his heretical teachings, one of the Cardinal’s servants taunted him saying, “Where will you find shelter if your patron, the Elector of Saxony, should desert you?” Luther answered, “Under the shelter of heaven.”
As we conclude this Psalm, remember that GOD listens to our cries and we live by His mercy alone. Remember that He protects us with His divine nature and His faithfulness endures forever.
