Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2510 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.
In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we continue our journey through Psalm 35, focusing on verses 11 through 21 from the New Living Translation. In this portion of the psalm, David shares his deep anguish over betrayal and unjust accusations. His words are raw and honest as he pleads with God for justice. Yet, even in his pain, David demonstrates trust in God’s ultimate sovereignty.
Let’s begin by reading Psalm 35:11-21 together, and then we’ll unpack it verse by verse.
Psalm 35:11-21 (NLT)
11 Malicious witnesses testify against me.
They accuse me of crimes I know nothing about.
12 They repay me evil for good.
I am sick with despair.
13 Yet when they were ill, I grieved for them.
I denied myself by fasting for them,
but my prayers returned unanswered.
14 I was sad, as though they were my friends or family,
as if I were grieving for my own mother.
15 But they are glad now that I am in trouble;
they gleefully join together against me.
I am attacked by people I don’t even know;
they slander me constantly.
16 They mock me and call me names;
they snarl at me.
17 How long, O Lord, will You look on and do nothing?
Rescue me from their fierce attacks.
Protect my life from these lions!
18 Then I will thank You in front of the great assembly.
I will praise You before all the people.
19 Don’t let my treacherous enemies rejoice over my defeat.
Don’t let those who hate me without cause gloat over my sorrow.
20 They don’t talk of peace;
they plot against innocent people who mind their own business.
21 They shout, “Aha! Aha!
With our own eyes we saw him do it!”
Facing False Accusations (Verses 11-12):
David begins this section with Verse 11 by expressing his frustration and heartbreak over false accusations: “Malicious witnesses testify against me. They accuse me of crimes I know nothing about.” This verse paints a picture of injustice, with witnesses intentionally lying to harm David. Being falsely accused is one of the most painful experiences, as it attacks both our character and our integrity.
In verse 12, David continues, “They repay me evil for good. I am sick with despair.” David isn’t just being mistreated; he’s being hurt by people he once treated well. The betrayal is personal and cuts deeply. His despair shows us how devastating it can be when those we’ve cared for or helped turn against us.
These verses remind us that even the most righteous people can face slander and injustice. But instead of seeking revenge, David brings his pain to God, trusting that God sees and will respond. When we experience similar trials, we can find comfort in knowing that God is aware of the truth, even when others...
