Psalm 5 - Distinguish Yourself From Evil

Psalm 5

Proposition: You should distinguish yourself from evil.

1. By asking for God's help (1-3)
       Listen to my words (1)
       Consider my lament (1b)
       Hear my cry for help (2)
       My King and my God (2b)
       Lays his requests early in the morning (3)

       David resolved his problems by seeking God's help in prayer, rather than taking matters into his
       own hands, as the wicked to.

2. By waiting expectantly (3b-7)

       God is not pleased with wicked people (4-6)
            The arrogant cannot stand in God's presence(5)
            God hates those who do wrong (5b)
            God destroys those who tell lies (6)
            God detests the bloodthirsty and deceitful (6b)

        God hears those who obey Him (7)
            (By implication, those who practice righteousness (cf. 1 John 3:22)).
            God's love is what enables them to come into His presence (7)
            They come into His house (7)
            They bow down toward His holy temple (7b)

        David expected God to answer his prayer, because he was walking in God's ways, and the
        wicked were arrogantly opposing God's will (see 1 John 3:22).

3. By seeking God's guidance (8)

       God's way is righteous (8)
       God's way is straight (8b)
       The wicked cannot be trusted (9)
       Their heart is filled with malice (9b)
       Their throat is an open grave (9c)
       With their tongues they tell lies (9c)

       We cannot trust the ways of the wicked. We should seek guidance from God, through His word.

4. By calling for God's judgment (10)

       Declare them guilty, O God! (10)
       Let their intrigues be their downfall (10b)
       Banish them for their many sins (10c)
       They have rebelled against God (10d)

       David left room for the wrath of God. He called on God to save and vindicate the righteous
       against evil. Romans 12 says we should leave room for the wrath of God, rather than taking
       matters into our own hands.

5. By taking refuge in God (11)

       This brings gladness (11)
       It inspires singing for joy (11b)
       It makes you surrounded with God's blessing and favor (12)

       Those who trust in God for salvation from sin and evil, will enjoy gladness, singing, and being
       surrounded by God's blessing and favor. Those who are wicked trust in themselves and their
       schemes, and are under the condemnation of God.

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