Psalms 64 · Grade 5

Their Own Tongues Shall Ruin Them

Name Date

Read and Think

The title of Psalm 64 calls it a Psalm by David. It opens with a request for protection, not from swords and spears but from words. David's enemies sharpen their tongue like a sword, and aim their arrows, deadly words, to shoot innocent men from ambushes. Words can wound as surely as weapons.

The enemies feel safe because they act in secret. They talk about laying snares secretly and say, Who will see them? They boast of a perfect plan. David observes, Surely man's mind and heart are cunning. Yet their plans assume that God does not see.

Then the psalm reverses everything. God will shoot at them, and they will be suddenly struck down. The weapon they used turns on them: their own tongues shall ruin them. All mankind declares the work of God and wisely ponders what he has done. The upright in heart praise him. The psalm teaches that God's justice often uses the very evil that people plan.

Show What You Know

Why does David pray for protection from words?
What mistaken belief lies behind the enemies' plans?
How does the punishment fit the crime?
What do people do when they see God's work?

Crossword

Across

They shall declare the ____ of God.
They shall declare the work of ____.
____ me from the conspiracy of the wicked.

Down

And shall take ____ in him.
The righteous shall be ____ in Yahweh.

Think About It

How can you guard your tongue so it does not become a weapon?
When have you seen wrong plans fall apart on their own?

Memory Verse

“All mankind shall be afraid. They shall declare the work of God, and shall wisely ponder what he has done.”

Psalms 64:9 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for hiding me. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

How can you slow down and reflect on God's deeds?
How can you speak in ways that heal instead of harm?
What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?