the wicked against the righteous

Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked;

preserve me from violent men,

who have planned to trip up my feet.

Psalm 140:4

This prayer for deliverance in all of Psalm 140 helps us to understand the desperate lengths evil people will go to in order to stamp out righteousness and make wickedness the accepted social standard. This psalm is very descriptive of what characterizes people who are evil, and how this world works against those who stand for God and His truth.

What evil people are:               What evil people do:

Evil (vs 1).                                 Plan evil (vs 2)

Violent (vs 1).                            Stir up wars (2)

Slanderers (vs 11).                     Serpentine speech (3)

                                                   Plan to trip up the righteous (4)

                                                   Try to ensnare the righteous (5)

                                                   Plot evil (8)

                                                   Seek exaltation (8)

Sin has not stopped creating this kind of evil chaos. If anything, it is increasing. It is imperative that Christians pray against the actions and plans of evil people today. There is a war here… now… and eternity is at stake.

Lord,

Deliver us from evil. There are many who plan against You and Your righteousness. They stir up wars continuously. They speak with the serpent’s wicked lisp and foment rebellion against You and all that is holy. They plan to trip up any person who stands for righteousness. They set traps. They plot evil. They cancel what is true. They seek the worship only of what is wicked.

Maintain the cause of the afflicted! Execute Your justice for the needy righteous people under their attacks. Lord, help Your people to dwell safely, thankfully, in Your presence. Turn the evil plan of evil people against them!

Amen