DEFINING THE WICKED

Both of the psalms for today describe in clear terms something of the character of wickedness. We see this, not just as an abstract force, but as involved with man’s personality and actions. This is one of the great human values of the Psalms. They often pin-point in unmistakable ways what wickedness really is. This surely is essential if we are to apply them to contemporary experience. Evil is not an abstraction, a nebulous quality, abroad in the world in a vague indefinite way. Sin is intrinsic in human personality, and is worked out in people’s behaviour. In a day of lax moral thinking, we do well to keep this in mind.

Psalm 64 begins with a prayer for deliverance from a wicked enemy. This “enemy” seems to be a company of those who secretly plot against the psalmist, vv. 2-4. The point worth noting is that these are men whose wickedness is deeply hidden in the heart, v. 6. It makes us realize that the seat of evil is not in outward acts, but in the depth of man’s being. The Scriptures confirm this time and time again; cf. Jer. 17. 9-10. So it must be, that in any definition of the meaning of wickedness, the emphasis must be on its inward source.

Psalm 140 is interesting in that it defines more clearly the outward acts of evil. Again it begins with a cry for deliverance from the evil man, v. 1. It also speaks of those who imagine mischief in their hearts, v. 2. Notice the features of wickedness: the “evil man”, “violent man”, “the proud” who hide a snare for the psalmist, and the wicked who plan the downfall of the righteous. We look at these descriptions from the writer’s own experience, and because we know people today, we can identify the reality of the evils expressed.

As we consider our disturbed and violent society, seeing the increasing trends of opposition to that which is of God and the gospel, we do well to measure the meaning of the times in which we live. “Evil men … shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived”, 2 Tim. 3. 13, wrote Paul as he described the character of the last days. Note Psalm 140. 6-7; “I said unto the Lord” is a personal appeal to the Lord. “Hear … my supplication” is prevailing prayer. “The strength of my salvation” is power. We need not fear wickedness!