Study 28

Text: Psalm 7

THE CONTRIVANCES OF THE WICKED

Prayer against the wicked must ascend to the Lord unabated. The psalmist David shows us how to do just that. In the following text, we note how he was aware of the contrivances of the wicked.

"Behold, the wicked brings forth iniquity:
Yes, he conceives trouble and brings forth falsehood."
Psalm 7:14

The writer used the imagery of conception to describe the way the wicked work. Their sinful activities are never merely spontaneous. They actually planned their wicked and hateful activities. Iniquity, trouble and falsehood are some of the offspring the wicked bring into the world!

"WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND"

Did the wicked really think they can get away with their sinful activities? They are dead wrong. The psalmist Davis is convinced that the perpetrators of evil will get their comeuppance one fine day.

"He made a pit and dug it out,
And has fallen into the ditch which he made.
His trouble shall return upon his own head.
And his violent dealing shall come down on his own crown."
Psalm 7:16

1. Poetic Justice

The psalmist David was virtually describing poetic justice in this text. The illustration chosen is that of a hunter who lays a clever trap. Painstakingly he digs an animal trap. However, little did he know that he would fall into the very pit that he dug!

2. Trouble only begets trouble

David made an astute observation of life. Those who create trouble for others would find that they have done nothing but harm themselves. The very violence they plan to do to others would be visited upon them in time.

THE BEST POSITION TO ADOPT

Obviously, David stayed away from the path of the wicked. His own reaction to the problem of wickedness was to pray! He chose to exercise his faith in the Lord instead of combating evil with evil, violence with violence.

"I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness,
And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High"
Psalm 7:17

He who has this faith in the Lord, though evil may surround him, he will always be able to find a song to sing. The faithful will always be able to find a song or two of praise to the Lord! Surely, David's position of "watching and praying" is the best yet!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~

Released 20th June 2004, © Bethany Independent-Presbyterian Church, Singapore