15 Let death stalk my enemies;
let the grave swallow them alive,
for evil makes its home within them.
16 But I will call on God,
and the Lord will rescue me.
17 Morning, noon, and night
I cry out in my distress,
and the Lord hears my voice.
18 He ransoms me and keeps me safe
from the battle waged against me,
though many still oppose me.
19 God, who has ruled forever,
will hear me and humble them. Interlude
For my enemies refuse to change their ways;
they do not fear God.
20 As for my companion, he betrayed his friends;
he broke his promises.
21 His words are as smooth as butter,
but in his heart is war.
His words are as soothing as lotion,
but underneath are daggers!
22 Give your burdens to the Lord,
and he will take care of you.
He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
23 But you, O God, will send the wicked
down to the pit of destruction.
Murderers and liars will die young,
but I am trusting you to save me. NLT
In verse 15, how could David, the writer of this psalm, say such a thing? (Skip down to verses 20-21 for some background.)
What is the contrast in verse 16?
Give the WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, and HOW of verses 16-19.
Describe the "words" of the wicked friend in verses 20-21.
Look again at verses 20-21. How is David's friend different than the Lord?
::::: APPLICATION CHALLENGE :::::
Read verses 22-23. Describe again the difference between the Lord and the wicked. With this in mind, what principles should you apply to your life today?