Unmasking the Characteristics of the Wicked New

THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2025

DISCERNING THE DARKNESS

TEXT: PSALM 28:1-9 NIV

1: To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit.

2: Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.

3: Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts.

4: Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back on them what they deserve.

5: Because they have no regard for the deeds of the Lord and what his hands have done, he will tear them down and never build them up again.

6: Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy.

7: The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

8: The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.

9: Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.

MESSAGE:The Urgent Cry of a Righteous Heart: A Plea for Distinction

In Psalm 28, we encounter the fervent prayer of David, a man after God’s own heart, yet deeply aware of the perils surrounding him. His prayer is not merely a request for help but a desperate plea for distinction. He senses the palpable presence of evil, a pervasive wickedness that threatens to engulf even the righteous. The psalmist senses that the cup of God’s wrath over the wicked was nearly full and realized that there was a possibility that God’s fierce anger might spill over and drag him away with the wicked. This fear highlights a critical spiritual truth: even those who walk with God must be acutely aware of the nature and proximity of wickedness.

David’s opening verses reveal his utter dependence on God: “To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit.” (Psalm 28:1). He understands that God’s silence would be catastrophic, plunging him into the abyss of the ungodly, a place of spiritual and eternal separation. This urgent cry sets the stage for his subsequent plea: “Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts.” (Psalm 28:3).

Here, David begins to unveil the sinister characteristics of the wicked, offering us vital insights into discerning those who operate under a spirit contrary to God. This knowledge isn’t for judgment, but for spiritual protection and discernment in a world often cloaked in deception.

Unmasking the Insidious Wicked: The Deceitful Heart

The primary characteristic the psalmist reveals about these insidious wicked people is their duplicity and deception. They “speak cordially with their neighbours but harbour malice in their hearts.” This is not overt evil; it’s subtle, manipulative, and deeply unsettling. These are individuals who present a façade of friendliness, even warmth, while secretly nurturing ill will, envy, hatred, or destructive intentions.

This insidious nature makes them incredibly dangerous. You cannot easily identify them by their outward actions alone, for their words are smooth, their smiles convincing, and their social interactions seemingly pleasant. Yet, beneath this veneer lies a poisoned well – a heart filled with malice. Malice (Hebrew: ra’) signifies wickedness, evil, mischief, or affliction. It’s an active desire to harm, to cause pain, or to see others fail.

This characteristic brings to mind the description of the wicked found in Psalm 12. The psalmist there, perhaps David himself, expresses a similar anguish, dialing God’s emergency number, thus: “Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore, those who are loyal have vanished from human race. Everyone lies to their neighbour; they flatter with their lips but harbour deception in their hearts.” (Psalm 12:1-2).

This paints a chilling picture of a society where trustworthiness has eroded. Loyalty is scarce, and integrity is a forgotten virtue. People communicate with “flattering lips” – words designed to please, manipulate, or gain advantage, rather than to convey genuine truth or affection. Behind these sugary words lurks “deception in their hearts” – hidden agendas, ulterior motives, and a fundamental dishonesty that permeates their being.

In a society riddled with such insidiously wicked people, everyone becomes a suspect, thereby providing a conducive environment for gossip and mutual suspicion to thrive. Trust breaks down, relationships are superficial, and genuine community struggles to exist. The air becomes “toxic” because the fundamental building blocks of human connection – honesty, sincerity, and good will – are corrupted at their core.

The Depths of Wickedness: More Characteristics Revealed

Beyond duplicity, Psalm 28, in conjunction with other scriptures, unveils further characteristics of the wicked:

Disregard for God’s Works and Deeds (Psalm 28:5): “Because they have no regard for the deeds of the Lord and what his hands have done, he will tear them down and never build them up again.” This is a profound insight. The wicked are not merely disobedient; they are fundamentally oblivious or indifferent to God’s active involvement in the world. They fail to acknowledge His power in creation, His hand in providence, His miracles in history, and His moral governance over humanity. They act as if God does not exist, or as if His actions have no bearing on their lives. This spiritual blindness leads them to pursue their own agendas, believing they are autonomous and unaccountable. This disregard is not just intellectual; it’s a hardening of the heart that prevents them from seeing, appreciating, or fearing God.

Evil Deeds and Work (Psalm 28:4): David prays, “Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back on them what they deserve.” The wicked are characterized by consistent engagement in “evil deeds” and “evil work.” This is not merely a single act of transgression but a pattern of behavior rooted in a heart that chooses to do what is morally wrong. Their actions reflect their internal corruption. This can manifest in various forms: oppression, injustice, cruelty, exploitation, violence, or any action that defies God’s laws and harms others.

Absence of True Love and Empathy (Psalm 28:3): The malice harbored in their hearts directly implies a severe lack of love and empathy. While they may feign cordiality, their internal state is devoid of genuine concern for others’ well-being. They view people as means to an end, objects to be used, rather than individuals created in God’s image. This emotional and spiritual detachment allows them to inflict pain without remorse.

Self-Reliance and Arrogance (Psalm 10:4): “The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.” The wicked are often characterized by a profound arrogance and self-sufficiency. They see no need for God because they trust in their own strength, cunning, or resources. This pride leads them to ignore moral boundaries and divine judgment.

Perversion of Justice (Psalm 82:2-4): “How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” In positions of power, the wicked pervert justice, favoring the corrupt and oppressing the vulnerable. Their actions undermine societal order and cause widespread suffering.

Deceitful Speech (Psalm 52:2-4): “Your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor, you who practice deceit. You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth. You love every harmful word, you deceitful tongue!” Their speech is a weapon, used not for building up but for tearing down, for spreading lies, and for manipulation. This aligns with David’s initial observation of flattering lips and deceptive hearts.

Plotting Evil (Psalm 36:4): “Even on their beds they plot evil; they commit themselves to a sinful course and do not reject what is wrong.” The wickedness is not impulsive but premeditated. Their minds are constantly devising schemes to harm, defraud, or gain advantage through unrighteous means. There is a deliberate embracing of evil and a rejection of what is good.

The Divine Response: God’s Justice and His People’s Hope

David, recognizing these dangerous characteristics, doesn’t simply lament. He appeals to God’s justice. He asks God to “Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back on them what they deserve.” (Psalm 28:4). This isn’t a vengeful curse but a prayer for divine retribution, for justice to be meted out according to God’s perfect standard. It’s a recognition that without divine intervention, the wicked would continue their destructive path unchecked.

Verse 5 explains why God will act: “Because they have no regard for the deeds of the Lord and what his hands have done, he will tear them down and never build them up again.” The ultimate downfall of the wicked is tied to their spiritual blindness and defiance. When individuals or societies persistently ignore God, His power, and His moral law, they seal their own fate. God, in His righteousness, will dismantle what they have built, ensuring it cannot stand again.

This prayer for judgment is immediately followed by a profound shift to praise and testimony: “Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps him. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” (Psalm 28:6-7). This transition highlights David’s confidence in God’s justice and His unwavering faithfulness to His children. Even amidst the recognition of pervasive evil, the believer finds solace and strength in the Lord.

For the righteous, God is “my strength and my shield.” He is the source of inner fortitude and external protection. Trusting in Him leads to help, joy, and songs of praise. He is “the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one” (Psalm 28:8). This is our hope: in a world filled with wickedness, God is a sure defense for His chosen ones.

The Psalm concludes with a prayer for God’s people: “Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.” (Psalm 28:9). This encapsulates the heart of the righteous – not just personal deliverance, but the salvation and blessing of the entire community of faith. In the face of pervasive wickedness, we need God to be our shepherd, to guide us, protect us, and carry us through every trial until eternity.

Navigating a Toxic World: Personal and Communal Responsibility

The psalmist’s experience and prayer force us to reflect on our own environments.

QUESTION: Is the spiritual atmosphere of your family and work place toxic or clean?

This is a critical question for self-assessment. A toxic spiritual atmosphere is characterized by:

• Deceit and Dishonesty: Where truth is optional, and lies are common.
• Malice and Bitterness: Where grudges are harbored, and ill-will is prevalent.
• Gossip and Slander: Where character assassination and backbiting are routine.
• Selfishness and Exploitation: Where individuals are used for personal gain, and compassion is absent.
• Lack of Regard for God: Where divine principles are ignored or mocked.
• Suspicion and Distrust: Where relationships are strained by constant doubt.

In such environments, it becomes difficult to breathe the “fresh air of freedom and companionship” that David longed for. A clean spiritual atmosphere, conversely, is marked by:

• Honesty and Transparency: Where truth is valued, even when difficult.
• Love and Forgiveness: Where grace abounds, and genuine care is shown.
• Uplifting Speech: Where words are used to build up, encourage, and edify.
• Selflessness and Service: Where others’ needs are considered, and generosity is practiced.
• Reverence for God: Where His presence is acknowledged, and His principles are honored.
• Trust and Security: Where relationships are built on integrity and mutual respect.

Our responsibility in discerning the wicked is not to become consumed by suspicion, but to:

1. Pray for Discernment: Ask God to open your eyes to the true nature of individuals and situations, especially when malice is cloaked in cordiality.
2. Guard Your Heart: Do not allow the wickedness around you to corrupt your own heart or cause you to adopt similar deceptive behaviors.
3. Maintain Your Righteousness: Live with integrity and unwavering commitment to God’s standards, regardless of what others do. Your light shines brightest in the darkness.
4. Practice Wisdom in Relationships: While not becoming paranoid, exercise caution and wisdom in who you trust, especially with intimate details of your life.
5. Be a Counter-Cultural Force: In a toxic environment, be an agent of truth, kindness, and genuine love. Your life can be a catalyst for change.
6. Seek God’s Protection: Just as David cried out, regularly pray for God to be your strength, shield, and fortress against the schemes of the wicked.

The Call to Action: Ridding Society of Wickedness

The prayer point offered is not a passive wish but an active petition: “Help us Lord, to rid our society of insidiously wicked people so that we can breathe the fresh air of freedom and companionship, in Jesus’ name. Amen.” This is a bold prayer, acknowledging that human effort alone is insufficient to purge such deep-seated evil. It requires divine intervention.

How does God “rid our society of insidiously wicked people”?

Through Conversion and Transformation: God’s primary desire is for the wicked to repent and turn to Him (Ezekiel 18:23). When hearts are truly transformed by the Gospel, their wicked characteristics are replaced with the fruit of the Spirit.

Through Exposure and Judgment: Sometimes, God exposes the hidden malice of the wicked, bringing their deeds into the light. If they refuse to repent, He will ultimately bring them to justice, tearing down their strongholds, as Psalm 28:5 indicates.

Through Empowering the Righteous: He strengthens His people to stand against wickedness, to speak truth, to establish justice, and to be salt and light in their communities, thereby diminishing the influence of evil.

Through Divine Intervention: In moments of crisis, God can supernaturally remove or restrain wicked individuals, making a way for His righteous purposes to prevail.

This prayer is a call for a spiritual cleansing, not just of individuals, but of the very atmosphere of our homes, workplaces, communities, and nations. When malicious deception gives way to genuine companionship, and when suspicion is replaced by trust, then indeed, we can breathe the “fresh air of freedom.”

Let us remain vigilant, discerning the characteristics of the wicked not to condemn, but to protect ourselves and others, to pray effectively, and to live in such a way that our righteousness is a stark contrast to the darkness around us, drawing others to the one true God who is our strength and shield.

PRAYER:

Lord, I call upon You today. You are my Rock. Open my eyes to discern the insidiously wicked, those who speak cordially but harbor malice. Protect me, Lord, from being dragged away by their influence or becoming like them. Help me, Lord, to rid my society, my family, and my workplace of insidiously wicked people so that we can breathe the fresh air of freedom and companionship, in Jesus’ name. Strengthen my heart to trust in You always, knowing that You are my shield and my reward. Amen.