Psalm 140 is a prayer of David asking the LORD to rescue him from people who plot harm with their words and their hands. These questions are for small groups, Sunday classes, and personal study. Each section moves from what the text says, to what it means, to how a reader might live it. Leaders can use them as written or adapt them to the people in the room.
Psalm 140 at a Glance
The psalm opens with a cry for deliverance from “the evil man” and “the violent man,” whose tongues are described as venomous and whose schemes are set like traps along the path. The middle section turns to trust, as the psalmist confesses that the LORD is his God and the strength of his salvation. The final stretch moves from petition to confidence, asking that the schemes of the wicked fail and affirming that the LORD will defend the afflicted and the needy.
The psalm ends not with the enemies’ defeat for its own sake, but with the righteous giving thanks and dwelling in God’s presence. Groups can trace this arc of fear, prayer, and assurance across the chapter as they work through the questions below.
Observation Questions
Begin with what the text states plainly. These questions keep the group close to the words on the page before anyone offers an interpretation. Read the chapter aloud once before discussing, and let people answer from the text itself.
Psalm 140:3
They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent. Viper’s poison is under their lips. Selah.
(WEB)
Read this verse early in the session to set the theme of speech as a source of harm. It gives the group a concrete image to return to during the discussion about words and community life.
Psalm 140:6
I said to the LORD, “You are my God.” Listen to the cry of my petitions, the LORD.
(WEB)
This verse marks the turn from complaint to confession. Reading it aloud helps the group hear how David grounds his request in his relationship with God before he asks for anything.
Psalm 140:7
The LORD, the Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.
(WEB)
Reading this verse highlights the picture of God as protector in battle. It works well as a pause point before the group discusses the imagery of shelter and strength.
Psalm 140:12
I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the needy.
(WEB)
This verse states the psalm’s confidence that God defends the afflicted and the needy. Reading it gives the group a clear anchor for the application questions about justice and care for others.
Psalm 140:13
Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name. The upright will dwell in your presence.
(WEB)
Ending the reading with this verse brings the chapter to its close in thanksgiving and presence. It helps the group leave the session focused on gratitude and God’s nearness rather than on the enemies.
Memory Verse for Psalm 140
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we come to you as David did, honestly aware of the harm that words and hidden plans can cause among us. We confess the times we have sharpened our own tongues, and we ask you to guard our speech and make it truthful and kind. Where we feel trapped or watched, help us to name our fear and then to speak to you as our God, trusting you to hear our cry. Defend the afflicted and the needy among us, and let us be your hands in caring for them. Bring us to the day when we give thanks and dwell in your presence without fear. Amen.
