The verse we will consider in this article belongs to a psalm written by David, a man who knew what it meant to walk closely with God while being surrounded by enemies. In this psalm, David is not speaking lightly or casually; he is lifting up a sincere cry for his life. This was a true plea, a heartfelt request for God to protect him, preserve him, and help him continue walking faithfully according to His law. David understood that without the Lord’s intervention, he would not be able to stand against the wicked forces that surrounded him.
Throughout the Psalms, David often expresses deep emotions—fear, hope, confidence, anguish, and trust. These prayers are honest reflections of a man who depended entirely on God. In moments of danger and injustice, David did not take revenge into his own hands. Instead, he brought his case before the righteous Judge. He trusted that God sees all things and that divine justice would prevail in due time.
In this particular plea, we see very clearly what the psalmist was asking the Lord to do. David was not asking God to act out of impulse or cruelty. Rather, he was asking God to give each evil man his due reward, because although they appeared outwardly righteous or harmless, their hearts were full of evil. These men ignored God’s works, rejected His truth, and acted with hypocrisy and deceit.
The wicked often disguise themselves as upright individuals. They may speak kindly, act religiously, or appear moral before others. However, God does not judge by appearances. He examines the heart. David recognized that these men were not ignorant of God, but deliberately indifferent to Him. They had seen His works, witnessed His power, and yet chose to disregard Him.
Scripture repeatedly teaches that the wicked will not go unpunished. Though they may prosper temporarily or seem secure for a season, their end is certain. Wickedness always carries consequences. When the wicked rise up against a child of God, they are not merely opposing a human being—they are opposing the living God Himself. To reject God’s servant is to reject God’s authority.
This is why David’s prayer is instructive for us today. In our prayers to the Lord, we must follow the example of the psalmist. We are not called to seek personal vengeance, but to entrust justice to God. When we are mistreated, slandered, or attacked unjustly, we must bring our case before the Lord, trusting Him to act righteously.
Because they regard not the works of the Lord, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up.
Psalm 28:5
This verse reveals the root of the wicked person’s downfall. Their judgment does not come merely because they commit evil acts, but because they refuse to acknowledge the works of the Lord and the operation of His hands. They live as though God does not exist, ignoring His power, His providence, and His authority. This deliberate rejection leads to destruction.
God’s works are evident throughout creation, history, and Scripture. To ignore them is not a matter of ignorance, but rebellion. When people see God’s blessings, His miracles, and His righteousness, yet still choose to live in opposition to Him, they seal their own judgment. David declares that such people will not be built up, but torn down. God will not establish what is rooted in rebellion.
This passage also teaches us to pray wisely. We must ask the Lord to have mercy on us, to guard our hearts, and not allow us to fall into the same path as those evil men. David knew that human weakness could easily lead anyone astray. That is why he sought God’s protection—not only from external enemies, but also from internal corruption.
To be preserved by God is a great blessing. Without His sustaining grace, we too would fall. The difference between the righteous and the wicked is not that the righteous are naturally better, but that they depend on God’s mercy and submit to His will. David’s prayer reminds us to remain humble, vigilant, and obedient.
The fate of the wicked is clearly stated. All evildoers will soon be judged. God is patient, but He is also just. His judgment may seem delayed, but it is never absent. At the appointed time, God will repay each person according to their deeds. The wicked will be knocked down, and they will remain fallen, because their hearts are corrupted and unrepentant.
This judgment is not arbitrary. It is the righteous response of a holy God to persistent evil. Those who refuse to repent, who harden their hearts, and who oppose God’s truth will face the consequences of their choices. Sin promises power and freedom, but it delivers destruction.
On the other hand, the psalmist highlights a powerful contrast. Because you prayed to the Lord, because you sought His face and trusted in His justice, you will be delivered. Prayer is not a ritual; it is an act of faith. When the righteous cry out to God, He hears. He rescues, protects, and sustains those who trust in Him.
The wicked, however, will be destroyed for their evil deeds. This destruction is the result of their own rebellion. They chose darkness over light, pride over humility, and evil over righteousness. The mighty hand of God will fall upon them, and no one will be able to resist His judgment.
This psalm teaches us to trust God’s justice fully. We do not need to fear the schemes of the wicked or envy their temporary success. God sees everything. He knows every intention of the heart, and He will act at the right time. Our role is to remain faithful, obedient, and prayerful.
Let us therefore learn from David’s example. Let us bring our fears, injustices, and struggles before the Lord. Let us ask Him to protect us, to preserve us in His law, and to keep our hearts pure. May we never become indifferent to the works of the Lord, but instead rejoice in them and submit to His authority.
In the end, the righteous will be delivered, and the wicked will face judgment. God’s justice is perfect, His mercy is abundant, and His power is unmatched. Blessed are those who trust in Him and walk in His ways, for He will uphold them with His mighty hand.