What does Psalms 140:11 mean?
"Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him." - Psalms 140:11
The verse Psalms 140:11 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him." This verse delves into the concept of evil and its consequences, as well as the importance of righteous behavior in the eyes of God.
The book of Psalms is a collection of songs and poems attributed to King David, who is known for his wisdom and devotion to God. In this particular verse, David is imploring God to prevent evil speakers from gaining power and influence on the earth. He is asking for divine intervention to prevent those who spread false or harmful words from establishing themselves as leaders or authorities. David understands the destructive power of words and their ability to manipulate and harm others, so he is seeking God's protection from such individuals.
The verse also discusses the consequences of evil behavior. It states that evil will "hunt the violent man to overthrow him," indicating that those who engage in violent or unjust actions will ultimately face the repercussions of their deeds. This reflects the biblical principle of reaping what one sows, as taught in Galatians 6:7-8. The idea is that God's justice will prevail, and those who perpetrate evil will ultimately be brought down by their own actions.
The overarching theme of this verse is the contrast between good and evil, and the need for God's intervention in the face of wickedness. It emphasizes the importance of righteousness and the consequences of unrighteous behavior, as well as the belief in divine justice.
In a broader context, this verse speaks to the timeless struggle between good and evil in the world. It acknowledges the existence of evil and the potential for its influence to take root, but also expresses faith in God's ability to thwart the plans of the wicked. It reminds believers that they can turn to God for protection and deliverance from the forces of darkness.
The symbolism in this verse lies in the juxtaposition of evil and righteousness. The "evil speaker" represents those who use their words to deceive, harm, or manipulate others. This could apply to individuals who spread lies, slander, or malicious gossip. The "violent man" symbolizes those who use physical force or oppressive actions to achieve their own ends. Both of these figures embody the negative and destructive aspects of human nature, and the verse warns of the consequences that await them.
Ultimately, Psalms 140:11 serves as a call to action for believers to uphold righteous behavior and to seek God's protection from the influence of evil. It instills hope in the promise of divine justice and reinforces the belief that God is ultimately in control, even in the face of evil forces. This verse encourages the faithful to trust in God's sovereignty and to resist the temptations of wickedness, knowing that in the end, evil cannot prevail.
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Psalms 140:11 - "Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him."
"Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him." - Psalms 140:11
Psalms 140:5 - "The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah."
Psalms 119:140 - "Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it."
Psalms 140:2 - "Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war."
Psalms 140:12 - "I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor."
Psalms 140:3 - "They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah."
Psalms 140:1 - "Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;"
Psalms 140:9 - "As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them."
Psalms 140:7 - "O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle."
Psalms 140:6 - "I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD."
Psalms 140:8 - "Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah."
Psalms 140:13 - "Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence."
"O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle." - Psalms 140:7
Psalms 140:10 - "Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again."
"Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah." - Psalms 140:8
"Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it." - Psalms 119:140
"Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war." - Psalms 140:2
"Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it." - Psalms 119:140
Psalms 140:4 - "Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings."
"I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor." - Psalms 140:12
"Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it." - Psalms 119:140
"Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again." - Psalms 140:10
"They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah." - Psalms 140:3
"As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them." - Psalms 140:9
"Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;" - Psalms 140:1
"Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence." - Psalms 140:13
"I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD." - Psalms 140:6
"The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah." - Psalms 140:5
Psalms 37:11 - "But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace."