Confidence Amid Deception

Commentary

This psalm expresses David’s confidence in the words of God for deliverance amid men who are full of deception. Some think he wrote it during those days when his duties kept him in Saul’s courtroom while Saul was looking for ways to kill him. Others think he wrote it during those days when he fled here, there, and everywhere while Saul was chasing him. Some think he wrote it as a King in exile during those days when his son Absalom seized the throne. At any rate David certainly knew enough about deception.

 

The Psalmist tells us three things about this man of deception (vv.  2-4). 

 

(1)  “With flattering lips and a double heart do they speak” (v. 2). In his book Mein Kamf Adolf Hitler said, “The greater the lie the more chance it has of being believed." 

      (2) “The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaks proud things” (v.3). 

      (3) Three proud claims are made (v. 4):

            1.   “With our tongue will we prevail“ – He can talk people into whatever he desires.

            2.   “Our lips are our own“ – Only he can control the flattering lips.

            3.   “Who is lord over us?” – He questions whether anyone can interfere with anything he says or does.

 

God cares for the poor and the needy (v. 5). We all yearn for safety and to feel secure in our surroundings. Whenever things occur that makes us feel unsafe and insecure, God urges us to ask Him to intervene. He is the only one who is both our safety and security. He promises to protect the downtrodden and confront their oppressors. We should identify with Him. His work is not done until we care for the poor. Yet, even when the wicked walk on every side we can still trust the Word of God (vv. 6-8). It is not like any other book, as it expresses the heart and mind of God.

Application

Have I ever felt that there are certain areas of my life that I control and don’t need any help from anyone? Pride can be a problem. I need to give the Lord every area of my life.