Psalm 59

1 Deliver me from my enemies, O God;
protect me from those who rise up against me.

2 Deliver me from evildoers
and save me from bloodthirsty men.

3 See how they lie in wait for me!
Fierce men conspire against me
for no offense or sin of mine, O LORD.

4 I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me.
Arise to help me; look on my plight!

5 O LORD God Almighty, the God of Israel,
rouse yourself to punish all the nations;
show no mercy to wicked traitors.
Selah

6 They return at evening,
snarling like dogs,
and prowl about the city.

7 See what they spew from their mouths—
they spew out swords from their lips,
and they say, "Who can hear us?"

8 But you, O LORD, laugh at them;
you scoff at all those nations.

9 O my Strength, I watch for you;
you, O God, are my fortress, 10 my loving God.
God will go before me
and will let me gloat over those who slander me.

11 But do not kill them, O Lord our shield,
or my people will forget.
In your might make them wander about,
and bring them down.

12 For the sins of their mouths,
for the words of their lips,
let them be caught in their pride.
For the curses and lies they utter,

13 consume them in wrath,
consume them till they are no more.
Then it will be known to the ends of the earth
that God rules over Jacob.
Selah

14 They return at evening,
snarling like dogs,
and prowl about the city.

15 They wander about for food
and howl if not satisfied.

16 But I will sing of your strength,
in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
my refuge in times of trouble.

17 O my Strength, I sing praise to you;
you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.

As I read Psalm 59, two particular verses caught eye. Verses 6 and 14 are identical. "They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city."

God then reminded me that what follows after each of these verses are characteristics of people that God is displeased with.

1) God is displeased with people who use words to cut down or condemn others. Verse 7: "See what they spew from their mouths — they spew out swords from their lips, and they say, "Who can hear us?"

2) God is displeased with people who go about satisfying their desires with their own strength, and when they can't do it, they begin to blame God. Verse 15: "They wander about for foodand howl if not satisfied."


As a teacher, sometimes, I can be using words that may hurt the feelings of the students. I really pray that I will only use words to affirm and build students up. God, please grant me patience and love for my students, no matter the situation.


Things to ponder
1. How positive are the words that you usually speak? Rate yourself 1 to 10 (1o means most positive!).
2. What are some desires in your heart that you know God doesn't approve of?
3. Pray and ask God to help you change in the two above-mentioned areas.