Step Into Faith

Chapter Reflection

This prayer emerges from a landscape of treachery where the human tongue is weaponized, carrying the venom of serpents to poison the life of the innocent. The psalmist is surrounded not just by physical violence, but by the 'mischiefs' of the heart—hidden snares, nets, and cords laid by the proud to destabilize his path. Amidst this predatory environment, God is recognized as the helmet that covers the head in the heat of battle, the only sure protection against the psychological and spiritual siege. The tension lies in the request for the wicked to be consumed by the very traps they set, suggesting that evil possesses a self-destructive momentum that eventually hunts the violent man down. This reveals a God who is not a passive observer but the active maintainer of the 'cause of the afflicted,' ensuring that the humble find their dwelling in His light. The human person is seen here as fragile and hunted, yet capable of an unwavering orientation toward the Divine name despite the encroaching darkness.

Spiritual ProtectionSelf-Destructive EvilGod of the AfflictedThe Poisoned Tongue
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Psalms 140

1Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;

2Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.

3They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips. Selah.

4Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

5The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.

6I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.

7O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.

8Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah.

9As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

10Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.

11Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.

12I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.

13Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.

Who God is

How does God’s role as the 'strength of your salvation' and the covering for your head change your experience of the battles you face today?

The condition of man

When you encounter the 'adders’ poison' under the lips of others or within your own heart, how do you seek the presence of the One who maintains the cause of the poor?