Words can hurt. Unkind remarks cut like a sword. It’s easy to lose confidence when people make you look bad. Guilt causes you to question whether your actions made people respond in hurtful ways towards you. God doesn’t leave you defenseless, but always available to help.
Description of Enemies
Leaders or judges on earth with unrighteous hearts perform acts of oppression, cruelty and violence. They speak lies from birth like venom from a serpent. Some people look for the worst in others. Because they don’t feel good about themselves, they put others down. I once had a boss who criticized everything. Nothing I did was right (Ps. 58:1–5).
Call for Help
Ask God to destroy the fangs of critical speech since it devours like young lions. Praying causes it to flow away like water while cutting off the arrows before they’re shot at you. The constant negative speech will melt and be swept away with a whirlwind (Ps. 58:6–9).
Fruit of Righteous
When God punishes and take vengeance upon the wicked, the righteous rejoice. People observe that God rewards the righteous and judges the earth (Ps. 58:10–11).
Prayer for God’s Deliverance
Ask God for deliverance from enemies who do iniquity, shed blood and set ambushes against you. A safe and high place away from harm is especially needed in those times. When my boss was criticizing me, it was easy to feel guilt. The battle seemed very fierce. God laughs at them. They don’t feel anyone’s listening (Ps. 59:1–8).
Demonstration of God’s Reign
Watch for God’s lovingkindness because He is your stronghold. You can be confident because of His triumph. Exposing curses and lies because of pride helps God’s people understand His power. Destroying destructive schemes and critical speech show everyone in a tangible way that God rules and reigns over the world (Ps. 59:9–15).
Response of God’s People
God’s people joyfully sing and praise Him for His strength and lovingkindness because He is a stronghold and refuge in tough times (Ps. 59:16–17).
Ask God to defeat critical speech coming against you. Trust in God’s triumph and praise Him for His strength and lovingkindness.
