Psalm 64:8

They will be made to stumble, their own tongues turned against them. All who see will shake their heads.

Study Bible

They will be made to stumble
This phrase suggests a divine intervention where the plans of the wicked are thwarted. The Hebrew root for "stumble" is "כָּשַׁל" (kashal), which often implies a fall or failure due to a lack of support or strength. In the biblical context, stumbling is frequently used to describe the downfall of those who oppose God's will. Historically, this reflects the belief that God actively protects His people by causing their enemies to falter. The imagery of stumbling conveys not just a physical fall but a moral and spiritual failure, emphasizing the ultimate triumph of righteousness over wickedness.

their own tongues
The tongue, in biblical literature, is often symbolic of speech and the power of words. The Hebrew word "לָשׁוֹן" (lashon) is used here, highlighting the destructive potential of the tongue. James 3:6 in the New Testament echoes this sentiment, describing the tongue as a fire capable of great harm. In the context of Psalm 64, the wicked are ensnared by their own words, suggesting a divine justice where their deceit and malice are turned back upon them. This serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that words have power and that misuse of this power can lead to one's downfall.

will turn against them
This phrase indicates a reversal of fortune, where the intended harm of the wicked returns upon themselves. The concept of retribution is deeply rooted in biblical justice, where actions have consequences. The Hebrew verb "שׁוּב" (shuv), meaning "to turn" or "to return," is often used to describe repentance or a change of direction. Here, it signifies the turning back of evil plans upon the plotters. This reflects the biblical theme of divine justice, where God ensures that evil does not go unpunished and that the righteous are ultimately vindicated.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 64, David is expressing his trust in God to protect him from his enemies and to bring justice.

2. Enemies of David
These are the individuals or groups who plot against David, using their words as weapons to harm him.

3. God
The ultimate judge and protector, who turns the schemes of the wicked back upon themselves.

4. Witnesses
Those who observe the downfall of the wicked and respond with astonishment and acknowledgment of God's justice.

5. Israel
The broader community that would have been familiar with David's struggles and the themes of divine justice and protection.

Teaching Points

The Power of Words
Words have the power to build up or destroy. As believers, we must be mindful of how we use our tongues, ensuring that our speech reflects our faith and values.

Divine Justice
God is just and will ultimately turn the schemes of the wicked back upon them. We can trust in His timing and justice, even when we face opposition.

Witnessing God's Justice
Observing God's justice in action can strengthen our faith and serve as a testimony to others. We should be attentive to how God works in the world around us.

Self-Reflection
Consider how our own words and actions align with God's will. Are we inadvertently setting traps for ourselves through careless speech?

Encouragement in Trials
When facing adversity, remember that God sees and will act. Our role is to remain faithful and trust in His protection and justice.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the theme of "their own tongues will ruin them" in Psalm 64:8 relate to the teachings in James 3 about the power of the tongue?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our words align with God's will and do not lead to our own downfall?

3. How can witnessing God's justice in the lives of others strengthen our own faith and serve as a testimony to those around us?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced or observed the truth of Psalm 64:8. How did it impact your understanding of God's justice?

5. How can we encourage others who are facing opposition to trust in God's justice and protection, as demonstrated in Psalm 64?

Connections to Other Scriptures

James 3:6
This verse discusses the power of the tongue and its potential for destruction, similar to how the enemies' tongues ruin them in Psalm 64:8.

Proverbs 12:13
This proverb highlights how an evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, echoing the theme of self-destruction through one's words.

Matthew 12:36-37
Jesus speaks about being accountable for every careless word, reinforcing the idea that words can lead to one's downfall.