Psalms 140:11

Commentary on Psalms 140:11 KJV

Psalm 140:11 is a powerful plea and declaration found within one of David's prayers for deliverance from his enemies. It expresses a fervent desire for divine justice against those who use their words and actions for harm, and a confident assertion that such wickedness will ultimately lead to self-destruction.

Context

Psalm 140 is a lament psalm where David cries out to God for protection from violent and deceitful adversaries. Throughout the psalm, David describes his enemies as those who devise mischief, sharpen their tongues like serpents, and plot to trip him up. Verse 11 is part of a series of imprecations (prayers for judgment) against these oppressors, reflecting the psalmist's deep trust in God's righteousness and his desire for God's justice to be manifest on earth. It's a prayer for the wicked not to prosper or gain lasting influence.

Key Themes

• The Destructive Power of Malicious Speech: The phrase "evil speaker" (Hebrew: אִישׁ לָשׁוֹן, ish lashon, literally "man of tongue") highlights the profound impact of slander, gossip, and false accusations. The prayer that such a person not be "established in the earth" is a plea for God to prevent them from gaining power, security, or lasting success through their harmful words. It underscores the biblical concern for the proper use of speech, recognizing its capacity to build up or tear down.
• The Inevitable Consequences of Violence: The second part of the verse declares a principle of divine retribution: "evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow [him]." The "violent man" (Hebrew: אִישׁ חָמָס, ish hamas, "man of violence" or "man of wrong") is one who acts with aggression, injustice, and destructive force. This statement asserts that the very evil or violence they perpetrate will ultimately become their undoing. It signifies that God's justice ensures that those who live by violence will eventually face its destructive consequences, leading to their downfall and ruin.
• Divine Justice and Sovereignty: At its core, this verse is an expression of faith in God as the righteous judge who sees all injustice and will ultimately bring about justice. It affirms God's sovereignty over the affairs of humanity, ensuring that wickedness, whether expressed through words or deeds, does not eternally triumph.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used in this verse offer deeper insight:

• "Evil speaker" comes from ish lashon (אִישׁ לָשׁוֹן), literally "man of tongue." This vividly portrays someone whose primary instrument of harm is their speech, emphasizing the deliberate and pervasive nature of their verbal assaults. The Bible frequently warns against the dangers of an uncontrolled tongue, as seen in Proverbs 18:21 which states that death and life are in the power of the tongue.
• "Violent man" is ish hamas (אִישׁ חָמָס), meaning "man of violence" or "man of wrong." The word hamas denotes aggressive, unjust, and destructive behavior. The imagery of "evil shall hunt" (literally "evil shall pursue" or "evil shall drive") suggests an inescapable pursuit, implying that the consequences of violent actions are relentless and inevitable, much like a hunter pursuing prey.

Practical Application

Psalms 140:11 offers timeless lessons for believers:

1. Mind Your Words: This verse serves as a stark reminder of the immense power of our words. We are called to use our tongues for building up, not tearing down, and to avoid slander, gossip, or malicious speech, knowing its destructive potential.
2. Trust in God's Justice: When faced with injustice, deceit, or violence, this verse encourages us to trust in God's ultimate justice. Even when evil seems to prosper for a time, God's word declares that its triumph is temporary and its end is destruction. This aligns with the principle found in Galatians 6:7, that whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
3. Live Righteously: The contrast between the "evil speaker" and "violent man" and the psalmist's prayer for justice reinforces the call to live lives of integrity, peace, and truth. Our actions and words have consequences, and aligning ourselves with God's righteousness leads to true security and blessing.