Daily Devotion of Psalm 140

Daily Devotion in Psalm 140

An original Psalm header

Daily Nugget:
David faced an enemy that was unlike most. Common decency and sense were nowhere to be found in the villain. That wrongdoer was also void of usual moral and social standards. There was little he would not stoop to to get his way. The king recognized this danger to him and society as an “evil man.”

Although there have always been menaces to normality and morality, today’s society also sees evilness. With decades of efforts to remove God’s commandments from conventional thinking, controlling powers have succeeded. Because of past plans, plots, and schemes, we now have a majority that does not know right from wrong.

Although not all social engineers were in politics, some preyed on the innocent in school systems. The media is careful of the “news” they disseminate. Ungodly intentions have brainwashed millions of their “students.”

We see evilness today in:

Entertainment. People watch movies, video games, and television that capitalize on crime, immorality, and practices God forbids. This constant bombardment of evil practices has created desensitized generations that accept what God commands us not to do.
“Which imagine mischiefs in their heart;….” Psalm 140:2a
Violence. Because morals are unknown to so many, violence and death are commonplace. Wars, violence, and death are quickly an option for so many who have had their values eroded.
“… continually are they gathered together for war.” Psalm 140:2b Also: Psalm 140:4.
Relations with people. There was a time when a man’s word was his bond. Promises were made without four notarized copies of contracts. A handshake and a person’s promise guaranteed they would keep their commitment. No longer is that the case.
“They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah.” Psalm 140:3
“… they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.” Psalm 140:5b Also: Psalm 140:11.

However, because of discarded and untaught biblical morals, honesty and keeping one’s word are often not considered. Deception, treachery, and verbal attacks are also accepted behavior. Honesty is foreign to so many.

Pride. Pride in being a decent person, one’s work, and accomplishment can be a good emotion. However, being proud without giving God credit for blessing and His gift of an ability can lead one to think he is something when he is not. Also, many sin and harm others just so their pride can be lifted up. We often see this when all laws and morality are ignored, so another can appear to be right and good when he is not.
“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.” Psalm 140:5

Because of sin, there will always be evilness in this world. However, just because “everyone is doing it” does not mean a Christian can or should lower his standards. We have a higher purpose: to be a shining example in a dark, sinful world that has lost its way. Be the beacon for Christ that the world needs to see.

Today’s Thought:
“He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it.”
—Martin Luther King, Jr.

Words to Understand:
Gins: snares or traps

Today’s Reading:
Psalm 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.
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.
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.
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.