11 An evil speaker won't be established in the earth. Evil will hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
Evil shall kill the wicked. Those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.
Behold, he travails with iniquity; Yes, he has conceived mischief, And brought forth falsehood. He has dug a hole, And has fallen into the pit which he made. The trouble he causes shall return to his own head. His violence shall come down on the crown of his own head.
May Yahweh cut off all flattering lips, And the tongue that boasts, Who have said, "With our tongue we will prevail. Our lips are our own. Who is lord over us?"
Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood;
Misfortune pursues sinners, But prosperity rewards the righteous.
One who has a perverse heart doesn't find prosperity, And one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 140
Commentary on Psalms 140 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 140
Ps 140:1-13. The style of this Psalm resembles those of David in the former part of the book, presenting the usual complaint, prayer, and confident hope of relief.
1. evil man—Which of David's enemies is meant is not important.
2-5. This character of the wicked, and the devices planned against the pious, correspond to Ps 10:7; 31:13; 58:4, &c.
3. sharpened … like a serpent—not like a serpent does, but they are thus like a serpent in cunning and venom.
5. snare [and] net—for threatening dangers (compare Ps 38:12; 57:6).
6. (Compare Ps 5:1-12; 16:2).
7. day of battle—literally, "of armor," that is, when using it.
8. (Compare Ps 37:12; 66:7).
lest they exalt themselves—or, they will be exalted if permitted to prosper.
9. Contrasts his head covered by God (Ps 140:7) with theirs, or (as "head" may be used for "persons") with them, covered with the results of their wicked deeds (Ps 7:16).
10. (Compare Ps 11:6; 120:4).
cast into the fire; into deep pits—figures for utter destruction.
11. an evil speaker—or, "slanderer" will not be tolerated (Ps 101:7). The last clause may be translated: "an evil (man) He (God) shall hunt," &c.
12. (Compare Ps 9:4).
13. After all changes, the righteous shall have cause for praise. Such
shall dwell—shall sit securely, under God's protection (Ps 21:6; 41:12).