Day 40

Psalm 5

“There is no faithfulness in their mouth…” Psalm 5:9a

TWO PERSPECTIVES CONCERNING THE WICKED

Psalm 5 offers two perspectives concerning the wicked.

THE FIRST PERSPECTIVE

The first one describes how God regards the wicked (Psalm 5:4-6). The second one is found in the text below:-

“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

THE SECOND PERSPECTIVE

David was unafraid to learn more about the activities of the wicked. As king, it was necessary for him to understand how the wicked thought and functioned. Deep knowledge would not only be necessary, it would be safe!

1. One particular aspect of the activity is highlighted : “The tongue”.

a) We are introduced to the concept of “synonyms” in the Psalms.

b) The synonyms of “tongue” are:-

i) Mouth

ii) Throat

2. We also have a glimpse of the relationship-balance between the external and the internal.

a) External expression of the tongue

i) The words of the wicked cannot be trusted because it is essentially unfaithful (Psalm 5:9a).

ii) The tongue is also used to for “flattery” (negative connotation in this context) { Psalm 5:9d}.

b) Internal workings

i) Their inward part is “destruction”. That is, the wicked is bent on destruction.

ii) Their throat is “an open tomb”. That is, the wicked is never satisfied! His appetite for evil is as voracious as that of the tomb.