Psalms 14:1-7
The True Atheist is Either Foolish or Wicked
Psalms 15:1-5
Eight Standards of Leadership
Psalms 16:1-11
David Gives 8 Reasons to Bless God
Psalms 17:1-7
David is a Man After God’s Own Heart
Psalms 17:8-15
David Describes Those Who Falsely Accuse Him
Psalms 18:1-12
David Sings a Song of Praise
Psalms 18:13-24
David Cries Out to God For Deliverance
Psalms 18:19-29
(O) Why God Dealt Generously With David
Psalms 18:25-36
David’s Victories Are Due to The Power of God
Psalms 18:37-50
David Did Not Take Credit For His Victories
Psalms 19:1-14
Fantastic Displays of God’s Craftsmanship
David Describes Those Who Falsely Accuse Him
Psalms 17:8–15
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It is not easy to live righteously, even when things are going well (vv. 8-9). 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.”
He says that his enemies have caught up with him. They are everywhere and looking for an opportunity to smear him into the dirt (v. 11). David describes them as a lion hiding in a secret place ready to jump out and devour them (v. 12). 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 that the world is trying to press me into its mold. Its goals are prosperity and pride, and it 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 17:8-15 (English Standard Version)
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