A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 19

Text: Psalm 5

ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE OF THE WICKED

The Psalmist offers another significant perspective of the wicked in the following text.

"For there is no faithfulness in their mouth;
Their inward part is destruction;
Their throat is an open tomb;
They flatter with their tongue."
Psalm 5:9

1. With reference to their mouth

The psalmist notes that the wicked cannot be trusted. Their words contain no faithfulness at all. They use their tongues only to flatter people. There is no value in their words.

2. With reference to their inward part

The words of a person reflect the true state of the heart, that is the "inward part." The heart of the wicked is bent on destruction! When the heart is so bent, it is little wonder that they are capable of grossly abusing the tongue!

APPLICATION OF THIS KNOWLEDGE IN PRAYER

The psalmist gives us an important insight as to how we may utilize or apply our knowledge of the wicked.

"Pronounce them guilty, O God!
Let them fall by their own counsels;
Cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions,
For they have rebelled against You."
Psalm 5:10

1. Praying against the wicked

The psalmist teaches us that we may pray against the incorrigible wicked! There are some who will not repent, no matter how much grace is shown to them. Prayer may be offered against the wicked.

2. Praying for Justice to be upheld

Behind the strong words of the psalmist, we must recognize that he is only praying for justice to be upheld! The activities of the wicked often go unpunished, insofar as human justice is concerned. The wicked who are also sometimes rich and powerful people seem to get away with all kinds of criminal activities. Where human justice fails, the psalmist prays that Divine Justice be meted out. Divine justice appealed to, because the wicked sin against the Lord personally.

3. Praying that the wicked be cast out because they are unrepentant

The wicked seem bent on transgressing the law. They take counsel to do evil. Would it not poetic divine justice to see them fall by their own counsels?

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~