Psalm 140 Devotional

Venom on the Lips

“I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of the needy.”Psalm 140:12 (BSB)

The danger in Psalm 140 comes from violent men, and much of their violence is spoken. They stir up conflict all day, their tongues sharp as a snake's and the venom of vipers on their lips (140:2-3). They hide snares along David's path, scheming to make him stumble (140:4-5).

At the center of the psalm, David claims the LORD as his own God (140:6). He calls him the strength of his salvation, who shields his head in the day of battle (140:7). He asks God not to grant what the wicked desire, and prays that the trouble they intend would fall back on them (140:8-11). He leaves the outcome to God, confident that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the needy (140:12). Paul later uses verse 3 to describe the human heart apart from God (Romans 3:13), which keeps this psalm humble. The venom is not only in other mouths. Yet the God who shields the needy also rescues sinners, and he can be your refuge too.

To think about: When words are aimed at you, how could you answer first by turning to God rather than by sharpening your own tongue?