Psalms 36:11

“Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.”

Psalm 36:11 (KJV):

“Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.”

Context of the Psalm:Psalm 36 is attributed to King David and is described as a “psalm of David, the servant of the Lord.” It is a meditation on the wickedness of the ungodly contrasted with the steadfast love and faithfulness of God. The psalmist reflects on the nature of sin and God’s righteousness.

Understanding Verse 11:a) “Let not the foot of pride come against me”: In this phrase, the psalmist acknowledges the presence of prideful and arrogant individuals who may try to harm or oppress him. The psalmist prays for protection from the foot of pride, which symbolises the prideful actions or schemes of his enemies.

b) “Let not the hand of the wicked remove me”: The psalmist also seeks God’s intervention, asking for deliverance from the wicked who seek to remove or cast him down. The hand of the wicked represents their oppressive and harmful actions against the psalmist.

Spiritual Lessons from Psalm 36:

• Humility and Protection:The psalmist recognises the destructive nature of pride and seeks God’s help to guard against its impact. As believers, we should cultivate humility and guard our hearts against the allure of pride. By doing so, we invite God’s protection and guidance in our lives.
• Dependence on God:The psalmist’s plea for God’s intervention emphasises the need for believers to rely on God’s strength and deliverance. We face challenges from the wicked forces of the world, but by entrusting ourselves to God, we can find safety and security in His hands.
• Trust in God’s Sovereignty:By praying for protection, the psalmist acknowledges that God is in control of his circumstances. This verse reminds us to trust in God’s sovereignty even in the face of opposition. God has the power to thwart the plans of the wicked and preserve His people.

• Seeking God’s Will:This verse encourages us to align our desires with God’s will. The psalmist seeks protection against the schemes of the wicked, not for personal gain, but to fulfil God’s purpose in his life. It reminds us to prioritise God’s plans and seek His guidance, knowing that His will is ultimately what’s best for us.

Application:

• Prayer:Like the psalmist, we should bring our concerns and fears before God in prayer. We can ask for protection from the prideful actions of others and seek deliverance from the hands of the wicked. God invites us to cast our burdens upon Him because He cares for us.
• Guard against Pride:Pride can lead to destructive behaviour and hinder our relationship with God. By cultivating humility and recognising our dependence on Him, we can guard ourselves against the harmful effects of pride and experience God’s protection in our lives.
• Trusting God’s Plan:When facing opposition or adversity, we should trust in God’s sovereignty and seek His guidance. God has the power to protect us and direct our paths. Through faith, we can rest assured that God is working all things together for our good, even in the face of wickedness.

Remember to read the entire Psalm 36 for further reflection and meditation.