Today’s reading is Psalm 140.
The Progression of Evil, But Also Righteousness
Once again, King David faces wicked, violent men who falsely accuse him and seek to bring his downfall. Recognize, when seeking the downfall of a king, folks were usually seeking the death of the king. But this is the same king, to whom God had promised in Psalm 2, “Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel” (ESV). Therefore, while facing these plotting rebels, David asks. He is certain God will respond. Of course, He will. He promised.
In this setting though, David demonstrates the progression of wicked rebellion.
Step #1: Think
Step #2: Speak
Step #3: Act
Step #1: Think–In Psalm 140:2, the violent men plan evil things in their hearts. They think about them. They come up with ways to accomplish them long before they act on them. They fantasize about them. They ruminate on them. They meditate on evil.
Step #2: Speak–In Psalm 140:3, they make their tongues sharp as a serpent’s and have the venom of asps under their tongues. They start talking their wickedness. They find others to talk about it with. They repeat it to themselves.
Step #3: Act–Finally, in Psalm 140:5, these arrogant wicked men hid their trap and lay their snare. They take action in wickedness.
Certainly, we will be concerned about the wicked around us who walk this same path. However, more importantly, we should be on guard lest we walk this same path. More than simply avoiding this path, we need to flip it around and use the principles in a God-honoring direction.
Step #1: Think–Meditate on what is good and excellent and right. Focus on godly and God-glorifying truths. Set our minds on things above. When Satan’s temptations try to turn our thinking to Satan’s things, let us learn to take those thoughts captive with God’s responding truths.
Step #2: Speak–Talk about God’s things. Have spiritual conversations. Whether self-talk or conversations with others, let God’s Word be the guide for speech. Talk about plans to do righteous and holy things. Talk about God. Talk about Jesus. Talk about things that are right. Not that all our conversations have to be specifically about spiritual things. Certainly, we can talk about business, recreation, relationships. Certainly, we can joke and jest. But make sure that the speech aligns with God and godly principles and truths.
Step #3: Act–Do the right thing. Having meditated on what is right and talked about what is right, do it.
Certainly, this will be a growth process for us. However, the more we take our thoughts captive, the more we learn to bridle our tongues, the more we will walk in God’s everlasting way.
Praise the Lord!
Tomorrow’s reading is Psalm 140.
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PATHS:
Discuss Today’s Meditation with Your Family
How does Psalm 140 prompt or improve your praise of God?
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