Welcome to Day 2510 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2510 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 35:11-21 – Daily Wisdom

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2510 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 misrepresent us. The Pain of Betrayal (Verses 13-14): David’s anguish intensifies in verses 13 and 14 as he recalls his past kindness toward those who now attack him: “Yet when they were ill, I grieved for them. I denied myself by fasting for them, but my prayers returned unanswered.” David’s care for these individuals was genuine. He mourned their suffering and even fasted on their behalf, showing deep compassion and concern. Yet, despite his heartfelt prayers and sacrifices, they now repay his kindness with cruelty. In verse 14, David adds, “I was sad, as though they were my friends or family, as if I were grieving for my own mother.” This verse reveals the depth of David’s love and loyalty. He cared for these people as if they were part of his family, and now their betrayal feels like a personal attack on his soul. This part of the psalm resonates with anyone who has experienced betrayal, especially from someone close. It’s a reminder that even when our kindness is met with hostility, God sees our efforts and our pain. David’s example encourages us to bring our heartbreak to God, trusting Him to bring justice and healing. The Joy of the Wicked (Verses 15-16): David then describes the behavior of his enemies in verses 15 and 16: “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.” His enemies not only betray him but delight in his suffering. They join forces to attack him, and their slander seems relentless. What’s even more painful is that some of these attackers are strangers, people with no reason to hate him. In verse 16, David continues, “They mock me and call me names; they snarl at me.” This imagery conveys the intensity of the hostility David faces. These aren’t mild disagreements; his enemies are openly mocking and ridiculing him, like predators circling their prey. This depiction reminds us that opposition often feels isolating, as if the whole world is against us. But David’s response isn’t to retaliate. Instead, he continues pouring his heart into God, trusting that God will vindicate him. His example encourages us to resist the urge to fight in anger and bring our struggles to the One who truly understands. A Plea for God’s Intervention (Verses 17-18): In verse 17, David cries out to God: “How long, O Lord, will You look on and do nothing? Rescue me from their fierce attacks. Protect my life from these lions!” This heartfelt plea reveals David’s frustration and his longing for God to act. He feels as though God is watching but not intervening, and he’s desperate for deliverance. David’s honesty here is both relatable and inspiring. Sometimes in our lives, we wonder why God seems silent in the face of injustice or suffering. David’s prayer reminds us that it’s okay to bring these questions to God. He invites us to be honest about our struggles while still placing our trust in God’s timing and sovereignty. In verse 18, David makes a vow: “Then I will thank You in front of the great assembly. I will praise You before all the people.” Even in his distress, David expresses confidence that God will deliver him. He promises to acknowledge God’s faithfulness publicly and to give Him the glory for his rescue. This shows us that praise and trust can coexist with our cries for help. Even as we wait for God to act, we can hold onto the assurance that He is worthy of our gratitude and worship. The Deception of the Wicked (Verses 19-21): David returns to describing his enemies in verse 19: “Don’t let my treacherous enemies rejoice over my defeat. Don’t let those who hate me without cause gloat over my sorrow.” He pleads with God not to let his enemies have the satisfaction of seeing him fall. Their hatred is baseless, and their desire to see him suffer is unjust. David’s plea highlights his dependence on God’s justice to silence those who oppose him. In verse 20, David describes the wicked as relentless schemers: “They don’t talk of peace; they plot against innocent people who mind their own business.” This verse emphasizes the malicious intent of David’s enemies. They aren’t just passively opposed to him; they actively plan harm against the innocent. Their disregard for peace reveals the depth of their corruption. Finally, in verse 21, David recounts their taunts: “They shout, ‘Aha! Aha! With our own eyes we saw him do it!’” This mockery is particularly painful because it’s based on lies. His enemies accuse him of things he hasn’t done, seeking to undermine his character and reputation. This unjust ridicule is a reminder of the devastating power of false accusations. In these verses, David’s transparency reminds us that we can bring every aspect of our pain and frustration to God. Whether it’s betrayal, mockery, or false accusations, God hears and cares about what we’re going through. Conclusion: Psalm 35:11-21 gives us a window into David’s heart as he wrestles with betrayal, slander, and the silence of God. His words are raw and honest, yet they are also filled with faith. David doesn’t hide his pain or frustration, but he continually turns to God as his refuge and source of justice. This passage reminds us that we can trust God with our deepest hurts. When we face injustice or opposition, we don’t need to take matters into our own hands. Like David, we can bring our struggles to God, knowing He sees, hears, and will act in His perfect timing. As we reflect on these verses, let’s be encouraged to trust God amid life’s challenges. Let’s commit to praising Him even as we wait for His deliverance, and let’s hold onto the hope that He is faithful to rescue and vindicate His people. Thank you for joining me today on Wisdom-Trek. Until next time, may God’s wisdom guide your steps, and may His peace fill your heart as you trust in Him. Reflect… If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’. Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal. As we take this Trek together, let us always:

1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
2. Love Unconditionally
3. Listen Intentionally
4. Learn Continuously
5. Lend to others Generously
6. Lead with Integrity
7. Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!  

Welcome to Day: 2510

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day: 2510

dom-Trek Podcast Script - Day: 2510

hamberlain, and we are on Day: 2510

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.

et’s begin by reading Psalm: 35:11

Psalm: 35:11

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 misrepresent us.

The Pain of Betrayal (Verses 13-14):

David’s anguish intensifies in verses 13 and 14 as he recalls his past kindness toward those who now attack him: “Yet when they were ill, I grieved for them. I denied myself by fasting for them, but my prayers returned unanswered.” David’s care for these individuals was genuine. He mourned their suffering and even fasted on their behalf, showing deep compassion and concern. Yet, despite his heartfelt prayers and sacrifices, they now repay his kindness with cruelty.

In verse 14, David adds, “I was sad, as though they were my friends or family, as if I were grieving for my own mother.” This verse reveals the depth of David’s love and loyalty. He cared for these people as if they were part of his family, and now their betrayal feels like a personal attack on his soul.

This part of the psalm resonates with anyone who has experienced betrayal, especially from someone close. It’s a reminder that even when our kindness is met with hostility, God sees our efforts and our pain. David’s example encourages us to bring our heartbreak to God, trusting Him to bring justice and healing.

The Joy of the Wicked (Verses 15-16):

David then describes the behavior of his enemies in verses 15 and 16: “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.” His enemies not only betray him but delight in his suffering. They join forces to attack him, and their slander seems relentless. What’s even more painful is that some of these attackers are strangers, people with no reason to hate him.

In verse 16, David continues, “They mock me and call me names; they snarl at me.” This imagery conveys the intensity of the hostility David faces. These aren’t mild disagreements; his enemies are openly mocking and ridiculing him, like predators circling their prey.

This depiction reminds us that opposition often feels isolating, as if the whole world is against us. But David’s response isn’t to retaliate. Instead, he continues pouring his heart into God, trusting that God will vindicate him. His example encourages us to resist the urge to fight in anger and bring our struggles to the One who truly understands.

A Plea for God’s Intervention (Verses 17-18):

In verse 17, David cries out to God: “How long, O Lord, will You look on and do nothing? Rescue me from their fierce attacks. Protect my life from these lions!” This heartfelt plea reveals David’s frustration and his longing for God to act. He feels as though God is watching but not intervening, and he’s desperate for deliverance.

David’s honesty here is both relatable and inspiring. Sometimes in our lives, we wonder why God seems silent in the face of injustice or suffering. David’s prayer reminds us that it’s okay to bring these questions to God. He invites us to be honest about our struggles while still placing our trust in God’s timing and sovereignty.

In verse 18, David makes a vow: “Then I will thank You in front of the great assembly. I will praise You before all the people.” Even in his distress, David expresses confidence that God will deliver him. He promises to acknowledge God’s faithfulness publicly and to give Him the glory for his rescue. This shows us that praise and trust can coexist with our cries for help. Even as we wait for God to act, we can hold onto the assurance that He is worthy of our gratitude and worship.

The Deception of the Wicked (Verses 19-21):

David returns to describing his enemies in verse 19: “Don’t let my treacherous enemies rejoice over my defeat. Don’t let those who hate me without cause gloat over my sorrow.” He pleads with God not to let his enemies have the satisfaction of seeing him fall. Their hatred is baseless, and their desire to see him suffer is unjust. David’s plea highlights his dependence on God’s justice to silence those who oppose him.

In verse 20, David describes the wicked as relentless schemers: “They don’t talk of peace; they plot against innocent people who mind their own business.” This verse emphasizes the malicious intent of David’s enemies. They aren’t just passively opposed to him; they actively plan harm against the innocent. Their disregard for peace reveals the depth of their corruption.

Finally, in verse 21, David recounts their taunts: “They shout, ‘Aha! Aha! With our own eyes we saw him do it!’” This mockery is particularly painful because it’s based on lies. His enemies accuse him of things he hasn’t done, seeking to undermine his character and reputation. This unjust ridicule is a reminder of the devastating power of false accusations.

In these verses, David’s transparency reminds us that we can bring every aspect of our pain and frustration to God. Whether it’s betrayal, mockery, or false accusations, God hears and cares about what we’re going through.

Conclusion:

Psalm: 35:11

This passage reminds us that we can trust God with our deepest hurts. When we face injustice or opposition, we don’t need to take matters into our own hands. Like David, we can bring our struggles to God, knowing He sees, hears, and will act in His perfect timing.

As we reflect on these verses, let’s be encouraged to trust God amid life’s challenges. Let’s commit to praising Him even as we wait for His deliverance, and let’s hold onto the hope that He is faithful to rescue and vindicate His people.

Thank you for joining me today on Wisdom-Trek. Until next time, may God’s wisdom guide your steps, and may His peace fill your heart as you trust in Him.

Reflect…

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!