David Describes Those Who Falsely Accuse Him
March 16, 2024
Commentary
It is not easy to live righteously, even when things are going well (vv. 8-9). It is especially hard when we are being persecuted and being falsely accused. Only the Lord, as He directs us through His Word, can keep us having right thoughts and right action. The same loving-kindness that led the Israelites across the Red Sea, as well as God’s love that sent His Son Jesus Christ to the cross, is sought by the psalmist to deliver him from his oppressors.
David describes three wicked foes as being (v. 10):
1. Prosperous – “enclosed in their own fat.”
2. Proud – “they speak proudly.”
3. Persistent – “as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.”
He says that his enemies have caught up with him. They are everywhere and looking for an opportunity to smear him into the dirt (v. 11). David describes them as a lion hiding in a secret place ready to jump out and devour them (v. 12). We deceive ourselves when we measure our happiness or contentment in life by the amount of wealth we possess (vv. 13-15). When we put riches at the top of our value system we let power, pleasure, and financial security overshadow the eternal value of our relationship with God. David knows he has lived righteously before the Lord God and his enemy has not. He confidently cries out for deliverance from those who have lived solely for the things of this life and ignored God (v. 14).
Application
When we are falsely accused of something it is easy to want to fight back. I’m aware that the world is trying to press me into its mold. Its goals are prosperity and pride, and it will be persistent to this end. Do I find these things creeping into my life? Like David, the only thing that will keep me on the right track is a close relationship with the Lord and His Word.
Psalms 17:8– 15 (NET)
Verses not found.
Illustration: Hitchhiker Hands Over His Billfold
John was driving home late one night when he picked up a hitchhiker. As they rode along, he began to be suspicious of his passenger. John checked to see if his wallet was safe in the pocket of his coat that was on the seat between them, but it wasn’t there! So he slammed on the brakes, ordered the hitchhiker out, and said, “Hand over the wallet immediately!” The frightened hitchhiker handed over a billfold, and John drove off. When he arrived home, he started to tell his wife about the experience, but she interrupted him, saying, “Before I forget, John, do you know that you left your wallet at home this morning?"(Our Daily Bread, October 2, 1992).