Be on Guard

Devos this morning reminded me of some of the characters in The Constant Gardener....people who seem like friends to your faces but behind your back are trying to take you down.

"My companion attacks his friends;
he violates his covenant.
His speech is smooth as butter,
yet war is in his heart;
his words are more soothing than oil,
yet they are drawn swords."
Pslm 55:20,21

Beware of the smooth-speaking tyrant.
David's son Absalom conspired against his father by smooth-talking the Israelites to suit his own gains. (2 Sam 15) This is the same way cult leaders and child molestors win and manipulate people into trusting them. "Be on your guard, for your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)

Good thing the Psalm continues....

"Cast your cares on Yahweh, and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous fall.
But you, O God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of corruption;
bloodthirsty and deveitful men will not live out half their days.
But as for me, I trust in you" Psalm 55:22-end