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PSALM

CHAPTER 140

1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; 2 Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war. 3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah. 4 Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings. 5 The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.

Have you ever noticed that some people seem to be like angry bees? They live with their "stingers" out, ready to pop someone.

David is calling on God to "deliver" or help keep him away from such people. David, remember, was a man of war. He was a fighting king. It seemed there was a constant battle for him. He is asking God for RELIEF!

6 I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD. 7 O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.

We should realize that God is our only hope in a world of sin and sinners. David says that he has committed his life to the Lord. And he has known God's help in battle. He knows that God is the "strength" that he needs.

8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah. 9 As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them. 10 Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again. 11 Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.

God is the only one Who can "hold back" the desires of the wicked.

We, as Christians, should pray that God will not let the wicked have a "foothold" in the earth (verse 11); but instead that their wickedness should be their own trap.

12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor. 13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.

We Christians should also be confident that God will KEEP those who are trying to do right (verse 12).

And, even if things go against us, we have the consolation of God's PRESENCE!

What a great joy to know that God Himself is WITH us each day as we face the difficulties of life.

Psalm 141

1 A Psalm of David. LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee. 2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

This is a call of URGENCY! Christians be aware that, our need is for God's HELP everyday and all day.

3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. 4 Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.

All men, even saved ones, have the inclination to speak wrong things and even do wrong things.

Being aware of this, we should ask God to keep our tongue and our mind from saying or thinking evil things.

Then we should live in faith that God will do that very thing.

As a young man, I had developed some bad "mouth-habits." When I surrendered fully to God, I asked him to "clean up" my language. Then, I began to live faithing the fact that God would do as He promised when I asked. He did!

5 Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.

When we do wrong, we should expect God to correct us. Sometimes He uses other people. It is indeed a "kindness" when righteous people are used of the Lord to correct us. They will use lovingkindness when they reprove us.

The "reproof" of a righteous man is more desirable than the "kisses" of an enemy (Proverbs 27:6).

6 When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet. 7 Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth, as when one cutteth and cleaveth wood upon the earth.

When the righteous see the wicked overthrown, they should have kind remarks toward them. David called to Saul (1Samuel 24) after he had cut off Saul's coat. Saul had not been aware of David's presence, neither did he know that David had cut off part of his coat. When David called to Saul, he said, "My lord king." He was using kindness in reproach.

Even though at times we feel as though the world is treating us like death itself, we should use kind words toward others.

8 But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute. 9 Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity. 10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst that I withal escape.

Our trust is not in the things or people of this world. Our trust is in God! He will not leave us without His Presence.

Being aware of God's Presence, helps keep us from the evil things of the world. Were it not for God being in the life of a Christian, we would be like any other person.

Thank God for His power which sustains us as we live in this world.

Please continue in Bible Study with us.