"The venom of the wicked is as potent and deadly as that of a snake, like a stubborn cobra that refuses to listen to the charmer's enchanting melodies, no matter how skilled the enchanter may be. Their evil intentions are deeply ingrained and cannot be swayed by any form of persuasion or charm."
The question arises as to why the Psalms advocate for a sense of skepticism and caution towards rulers. When God initially placed man in the garden, he granted him the ability to rule over himself without any constraints. Each individual was given the gift of autonomy and authority over the earth. It is important to recognize that the Bible promotes the concept of free will. God established the law as a means to uphold perfect unity, and adherence to the law led to the elevation of man's glory. The law does not judge the quality of an action, but rather bestows blessings upon those who follow it and curses upon those who do not. It is crucial to understand that the law serves a singular purpose and does not aim to destroy the good that God has created. Instead, the curses within the law serve as a means of preventing further destruction, as the law acts as God's tool of sovereign prevention. In the judgment of God, the law functions to differentiate between the wicked and the righteous, ultimately putting an end to conflict and punishing the guilty. The curse within the law is ultimately manifested in earthly wars, where nations are tasked with enforcing legal warfare to eradicate wicked opposition.
In the garden, man encountered opposition from the most stunning and powerful fallen angel. The devil tempted man with a wicked curse, marking the first instance of violence in man's existence. This act severed man's once blessed relationship with God and the earth. The Psalmist suggests that the devil claimed dominion over the air through a forceful attack, the first of which was twisting God's words. By unlawfully exerting his authority, the devil set a precedent for rulership that mimics the relationship between an adult and a child, where rules are imposed to elicit compliance. Unlike this coercive approach, God's authority is not based on force, as His word stands on its own merit without the need for violence. The Psalmist emphasizes that resisting temptation is not merely about indulging in pleasure, but rather about withstanding a violent assault on the soul. This is reflected in the Psalms, which are replete with references to curses as a testament to the struggle against evil forces.
The original state of humanity was one of peaceful coexistence, without any conflict or discord. However, with the introduction of sin, internal and external tensions arose, leading to violence within individuals and strained relationships with others. Originally created to follow God's laws freely, the presence of sin caused individuals to enforce these laws aggressively. According to the Psalmist, violence stems from misinterpreting and misapplying God's laws, resulting in divine consequences. Therefore, the apostle advises us to eliminate sin and its consequences by addressing and rejecting all forms of opposition and violence within ourselves. In a world filled with corrupt desires and a pervasive culture of violence, it is important to confront and overcome the destructive influence of sin by actively resisting temptations at their source.
In interpersonal relationships, effective communication involves a delicate balance between emotions and assertiveness. The temptation to resort to aggressive behavior is often present, leading individuals to confront difficult situations with violence. This can give rise to feelings of being besieged by unseen forces, causing turmoil and moral decay. It is crucial to differentiate between personal attacks and the broader fight against moral decay. By rejecting negativity and embracing positivity, individuals can counteract the pervasive violence in their lives. Those in positions of authority have the ability to significantly impact the lives of others, but they must exercise caution to prevent any misuse of power for personal gain. The Psalmist emphasizes the importance of not just avoiding pleasure, but also confronting destruction and violence bravely in life's challenges.
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