David Describes Those Who Falsely Accuse Him

John was driving home late one night when he picked up a hitchhiker. As they rode along, he began to be suspicious of his passenger. John checked to see if his wallet was safe in the pocket of his coat that was on the seat between them, but it wasn’t there! So he slammed on the b … More

Accusation

It is not easy to live righteously, even when things are going well (vv. 6-9). It is especially hard when we are being persecuted and being falsely accused. Only the Lord, as He directs us through  His Word, can keep us having right thoughts and right action. The same loving-kindness that led the Israelites across the Red Sea, as well as God’s love that sent His Son Jesus Christ to the cross, is sought by the psalmist to deliver him from his oppressors.

David describes three wicked foes as being (v. 10):

  1. Prosperous - “enclosed in their own fat.”
  2. Proud - “they speak proudly.”
  3. Persistent - “as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.”

We deceive ourselves when we measure our happiness or contentment in life by the amount of wealth we possess (vv. 13-15). When we put riches at the top of our value system we let power, pleasure, and financial security overshadow the eternal value of our relationship with God. David knows he has lived righteously before the Lord God and his enemy has not. He confidently cries out for deliverance from those who have lived solely for the things of this life and ignored God (v. 14).

Application

When we are falsely accused of something it is easy to want to fight back. I’m aware of the fact that the world is trying to press me into its mold. Its goals are prosperity and pride and will be persistent to this end. Do I find these things creeping into my life? Like David, the only thing that will keep me on the right track is a close relationship with the Lord and His Word.

Psalms 17:6-15 (English Standard Version)


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