11 A talkative man is not established in the earth, One of violence -- evil hunteth to overflowing.
Evil doth put to death the wicked, And those hating the righteous are desolate.
Lo, he travaileth `with' iniquity, And he hath conceived perverseness, And hath brought forth falsehood. A pit he hath prepared, and he diggeth it, And he falleth into a ditch he maketh. Return doth his perverseness on his head, And on his crown his violence cometh down.
Jehovah doth cut off all lips of flattery, A tongue speaking great things, Who said, `By our tongue we do mightily: Our lips `are' our own; who `is' lord over us?'
Eyes high -- tongues false -- And hands shedding innocent blood --
Evil pursueth sinners, And good recompenseth the righteous.
The perverse of heart findeth not good, And the turned in his tongue falleth into evil.
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).