Warning to the Ungodly
The world we live in is full of slanderous, deceitful, destructive people who love and boast in evil. Believers are often the target of their animosity. This psalm is a comfort for believers because the wicked are confronted and told of their impeding doom at God’s hand.
The wicked are arrogant and boast in their evil and have little shame in all their acts. In their eyes they are “mighty” (52:1). Their tongues are slanderous, like sharp razor cuts that are small but cause great hurt (52:2). What they love is seen in what they enjoy, evil and falsehood more than good (52:3). They are lovers of gossip, slander and deceit (52:4). Their actions reveal their arrogant and selfish hearts.
The psalmist tells the wicked that God’s judgement is coming upon them soon (52:5). God is going to break them down, snatch them up, tear them away, and uproot them from the land of the living (52:5). Their destruction will be total and their judgment sure; there will be no escape. There is no hope for any sinner apart from the grace of God in Christ (Rev 20:11-15).
But there is hope for those that trust in God. The righteous will see joyous times at the long-awaited justice of God Almighty (52:6). Like David, they are like strong Olive trees planted by God. In His house they are protected and provided for by God Himself (52:8). God is worthy of the believer's trust and hope. (52:8-9).
Brethren, wait patiently for the Lord and trust in His love for you (52:8-9). He will bring justice to a world that is wicked and evil. God is good, and He will prevail over those that sin against Him and His saints (52:9).