Does this passage remind you of today’s social media environment?

Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the plots of evildoers. They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows. They shoot from ambush at the innocent; they shoot suddenly without fear.

As modern a description of public discourse across digital platforms as exists anywhere. People sharpen tongues and hawk contempt day and night, and thanks to technology, their influence spreads farther than deserved. The wrong people hold the megaphones.

David, the writer of this psalm, keenly observed human nature. Noting those among those around him hiding their snares he commented—surely the human mind and heart are cunning.

Hard to argue against his conclusion when I read slippery, manipulative and callous commentary. The ease and anonymity of social media entices us to our worst. Just reading snarky posts exposes a callousness in my heart, and moves me further from the peace of the Lord.

Evil tongues eventually betray their owners, who find themselves suddenly struck down. On the other hand, those using their words for blessing enjoy the Lord and find rest in that relationship.

As it turns out, kind is better than cunning.

Psalm 64 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Jon Tyson