Scripture Notes: In the Presence of the Wicked (Psalm 39)

The psalmist, likely David, is faced with a dilemma in Psalm 39. He is in the presence of the wicked, apparently of the wicked who have no intention to repent of their evil ways or even to listen to truth and goodness. David seems to know that no matter what he says, it will make no difference, and he is angry and distressed. He knows he is close to saying things he should not, things that are sinful.  

So the psalmist decides firmly that he will keep his mouth shut. Speaking will do no good and might even lead him to sin, so he will “bridle” his mouth. Yet the more he stands there “dumb and silent,” trying to hold his peace, the more upset he becomes. He feels like his heart is on fire.  Finally, he breaks out into speech.

But David doesn’t talk to the wicked. Instead, he prays, asking God for perspective. He wants to understand the reality of life and of human beings, how fleeting everything is from God’s perspective. This might be rather depressing in itself, but the psalmist uses it only as a reality check before turning his attention to something much more important.

If everything human fades away, what is there to wait for? Inspired by God, David has an answer. “My hope is in Thee,” he tells God. He asks God to deliver him from his transgressions, admitting that he is far from perfect. He knows that God has rebuked him many times and that this punishment is difficult to cope with yet remedial, meant for correction. As he reflects, the psalmist implies that God will punish the wicked in His own way and at His own time.

The psalm ends with a plea for God to hear David’s prayers and respond to his tears of repentance and of distress at the evil of the wicked.  David knows he is just passing through this world, and while he isn’t sure what comes after, he longs for gladness and for the joy of forgiveness, and he will continue to wait for and hope in God no matter what he faces in the presence of the wicked.