Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, from the rebellion of the workers of iniquity, who sharpen their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows—bitter words, that they may shoot in secret at the blameless; suddenly they shoot at him and do not fear. (vv 2-4)
In this psalm, we see how great a weapon the tongue is, and how it can be used to deflate, distress and destroy, as David finds himself on the receiving end of treacherous plots against his person and reign.
The tongue, when employed in flattery and lying can be entirely deceitful. The wicked often use their tongues as arrows and swords to destroy, slander and cut righteous reputations to pieces. Their evil plots are also characterised by secrecy. But the child of God need not fear the secret plotting of evil people.
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. (Hebrews 4:13)
In 2 Kings 6, the king of Syria waged war against Israel. To his dismay, every time he tried to set an ambush against the Israelites, his plans were foiled. The following conversation ensued between the king and his men:
The king of Aram became very upset over this. He called his officers together and demanded, “Which of you is the traitor? Who has been informing the king of Israel of my plans?”
“It’s not us, my lord the king,” one of the officers replied. “Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel even the words you speak in the privacy of your bedroom!” (2 Kings 6:11-12)
You see, their secret plans were constantly exposed because God was right there in their midst. David knew this, so rather than expend his energy trying to figure out how to avoid being harmed, he simply reported his enemies to the omniscient One who was able to thwart their schemes.
James tells us that the tongue can kindle a fire, and while the evil use their tongues to concoct lies and destroy, children of God can use the power of the tongue as a weapon against the Enemy of our souls.
Just as the wicked create destruction with their tongues, you can create life with yours. When you constantly speak the truth found in God's word - over your life, circumstances, family and even over the nation - you generate power to turn around even the most hopeless of situations.
Why not go into warfare today? Only, unlike the wicked, choose to speak good. Let the words coming from your mouth be seasoned with salt, and full of life, so that the hearer is blessed, good seeds are sown, and in due season, you will reap a harvest of blessings.
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