The judgement on the person with a malicious tongue
Psalmist David by Gustave Doré (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Verses 1 to 5 describe the Condemnation of the Malicious Tongue. Doeg’s story had been told with malicious intent and fatal results. ‘O thou deceitful tongue’, says the psalmist, boldly identifying the offender with the offending member. What anguish has been caused by the malicious tongue, Jas. 3:1–12. How often in the Bible the sins of the tongue are denounced—falsehood, slander, false witness, Pss. 5:9; 10:7; 12:2f; Mic. 6:12; Jer. 9:3.
As Doeg’s speech had wrought the destruction of innocent lives, so likewise God would utterly destroy him, v. 5. One cannot but rejoice that God’s justice is such that even here wickedness can meet its reward as well as hereafter. This is the righteous judgement of God.
The second half of the psalm, vv. 6–9, demonstrates the Vindication of the Righteous. The righteous shall contemplate God’s judgement with solemn awe, but also with joy at the downfall of a tyrant; awe producing a deeper reverence for God, and joy at the proof of God’s just government of the world. The psalmist, expects not only the destruction of the wicked, but his own salvation. The wicked has not made God his strength, v. 7, but the psalmist loves and prospers in God’s house. He is God’s guest, enjoying His protection and favour, v. 8. He fears no uprooting, but lives in the enjoyment of God’s fellowship. O to be one of God’s green olive trees, drawing upon supplies from roots struck deep into Him, and trusting always in His mercy! Let us praise Him, with sincerity, and with heartfelt gratitude!