1. The Ways of the Wicked
Psalm 140

2. About the Psalm A psalm of David Assigned to “the Chief Musician”
Possibly a continuation from the Psalm 139
A psalm of deliverance – probably during a troubling time in David’s life (fleeing Saul or fleeing Absalom)
An imprecatory psalm

3. The Ways of the Wicked (1-5)
Deliver me, preserve me, keep me – David needs the LORD’s help (1, 4) Deliver, watch over and protect
From evil and violent men – these are not just indifferent and ungodly – they are evil (1) violent (1, 4) – malicious & active wicked (4) –godless and base

4. The Ways of the Wicked (1-5)
Violent men (1, 4)
One who wants to damage you and stop you in your quest (e.g. your faith)
Sadly, we are living in similar times – 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13; Romans 1:28-32 (30) - violent

5. The Ways of the Wicked (1-5)
They are described as:
They plan evil things in their heart Proverbs 13:2, 10:6
They continually gather together for war (Ephesians 6:10-17)
They sharpen their tongues (James 3:6-8)
They have purposed to make my steps stumble, the proud have set a trap - Daniel 6:4-5, Matthew 22:17

6. A plea for deliverance (6-11)
“You are my God” (6) a source of deliverance. He is in control (Hebrews 13:6)
Hear my supplication (6) – an intense prayer of request (Philippians 4:6, Ephesians 6:18)
The strength of my salvation (7) – only in Him will salvation (deliverance) come – Romans 8:31, 37

7. A plea for deliverance (6-11)
You have covered me (7) He is our shelter – Psalm 61:3-4 He is our helmet – Ephesians 6:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:8
Remember David as he faced Goliath – 1 Samuel (Goliath’s helmet), (Saul’s helmet too big), David came “in the name of the LORD” 45-47
David KNOWs that God can protect him!

8. A plea for deliverance (6-11)
Do not grant the desires of the wicked (8) - Imprecatory
A request that God defeat his enemies – he wants them stopped!
Schemes of the wicked – defeat their purpose
Let the evil of their lips cover them – defeat their cursing (cf. 1 Peter 3:16)

9. A plea for deliverance (6-11)
Do not grant the desires of the wicked (8) - Imprecatory
Let them be cast into the fire – never to rise again
Let the slanderer NOT be established on earth
Let evil hunt and overthrow them

10. A plea for deliverance (6-11)
NOTE: Be reminded. In such requests, you should NOT act or pray with hatred about others! You love and pray for your enemies (Matthew 5:43-48) Leave it in God’s hands (Romans 12:17-21)
When we pray for the defeat of the ungodly, is it selfish, or a desire to see God’s goodness prevail and to stop evil ways?

11. Faith (12-13)
The LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted – David KNOWS God is in control and will prevail on behalf of His own He will accomplish His purpose (Romans 8:28)
Justice will come to the poor – maybe not in this life, but God knows! (1 John 2:15-17, Matthew 6:19-21)

12. Faith (12-13)
The righteous will give thanks to His name – those right with God will ALWAYS acknowledge Him! With thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6)
The upright will dwell in His presence – this is our goal! (John 14:23) Even in this life – if we keep His word, He will make His home with us (John 14:23, Matthew 5:8)

13. Do we turn to him and trust him in our times of trouble?