June 22 Psalm 140:1-13; Proverbs 17:22
Psalm 140:1–13
1. What kinds of people is the psalmist asking God to protect him from (vv. 1–5)? What words describe their intentions?
- How does David portray the danger of evil speech and plotting (vv. 3–5)? What does this reveal about the power of words?
- Have you ever experienced harm or anxiety due to someone’s words or schemes? How did you respond? How might David’s example guide you?
- In verses 6–7, David calls the Lord his “strong deliverer” and “shield.” What does this say about God's nature?
- Verse 12 says, “I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted.” How does this give you hope in seasons of injustice or mistreatment?
- How might we see the work of Christ (God the Son) in identifying with the afflicted, and of the Spirit in sustaining the upright (v. 13)?
Proverbs 17:22
"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
- What contrast does this proverb set up? What imagery is used to describe emotional and physical well-being?
- What kind of “medicine” do joy and gratitude provide in your life or your community? What drains your spirit? Based on this verse, what do you think the root of depression is?
- How might this verse speak to the way God designed humans—body and soul intertwined? How should that affect how we care for ourselves and others?
