“For there is no truth in their mouth;
their inmost self is destruction;
their throat is an open grave;
they flatter with their tongue.
Make them bear their guilt, O God;
let them fall by their own counsels;
because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out,
for they have rebelled against you.”
—Psalm 5:9-10 ESV

In these verses David, speaking of his enemies (see v.8), describes what happens to “evil” people who lie, shed blood, and are full of pride.

Their own schemes are their downfall. They “fall by their own counsels.”

And this is another truth I have discovered through studying the Scriptures: although God does punish evil, the punishment is typically self-inflicted.

For example, in verse 10 David asks God to “cast out” his enemies, but of course, they are already far from God because they “have rebelled” against him.

It’s not that God casts them out per se, but that he allows them to rebel and cast themselves out.

This is sobering and honestly very sad.

The good news is this: as we will see in the next verses, God’s arms are always open to those who choose to take refuge in him.

Here is a short prayer to help you invite God into every moment of your day:

Inhale: God,
Exhale: Be my refuge.