Rev. Don Campbell
Psalm 56, 120, 140-142
THOUGHT FOR TODAY, April 16, 2019
“THE WATCHWORD IS ‘BEWARE'”
“Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!” Each week, these words introduced the “Shadow,” a radio series about a mysterious crime-fighting hero. David had gained a good insight into the evil that lurks in the hearts of men because he had been on the receiving end of much of that evil. In the five Psalms of our reading, we will look at some of that evil as seen through the eyes of David.
Evil people lurk about stirring up strife: “They stir up strife, they lurk; they watch my steps, as they have waited for my life” (Psalm 56:6). Today, many lurk about on social media posting half-truths and totally fabricated lies about others. Many are professing Christians.
Evil people are always hostile: “I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war! (Psalm 120:7). We have all known those people who like Aunt Alexandra were born in the objective case. “Let any moral come along and she would uphold it; she was born in the objective case; she was an incurable gossip” (To Kill A Mockingbird, Chapter 13). Most preachers have had to deal with someone who, if the preacher was for something, the good brother—or sister— was “agin it.”
The stock and trade of evil people is their sharp tongue and poison. “They make their tongue sharp as a serpent’s, and under their lips is the venom of asps” (Psalm 140:3)
Evil people deliberating try to ensnare others, often by laying a trap under the guise of friendly discussion—or objective interviewing. “Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me and from the snares of evildoers!” (Psalm 141:9).
The wicked do not take notice of the plight of others because they are too egocentric. “Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me;
no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul” (Psalm 142:4).
CONNECTIONS
1. Of what kind of people does Paul tell the Philippians to “BEWARE”? (Philippians 3:1-3)
2. What should we do when no one seems to be on our side? (Psalm 142:2).
