Day 12: Evil is Self-Destructive | Learning to Trust God More – 21-Day Firm Foundation Devotional from Psalm 37 - February 15

Sunday, February 15, 2026 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



Day 12 — Evil is Self-Destructive

Psalm 37:12, The wicked plots against the just, And gnashes at him with his teeth. 13 The Lord laughs at him, For He sees that his day is coming. 14 The wicked have drawn the sword And have bent their bow, To cast down the poor and needy, To slay those who are of upright conduct. 15 Their sword shall enter their own heart, And their bows shall be broken.

Key Thought: Violence ultimately destroys its source.

Prayer: Help me maintain my hope in You.

Remember that Psalm 37 is wisdom instruction, not lament. David contrasts the temporary activity of the wicked with the enduring stability of the righteous. These verses intensify that contrast by describing active hostility, and God’s response.

“The wicked plots against the just, And gnashes at him with his teeth.”
In our sinful world, we cannot underestimate the depravity of people who are wicked and self-serving. It is our nature to believe the best in people, but there are some, as the Bible highlights, who are wholly committed to taking advantage of others. The wicked engage in deliberate scheming and premeditated evil, not just impulsive wrongdoing. They are strategic, thoughtful, and intentional.

Gnashing teeth in Scripture signifies rage and violent resentment. This is emotional fury combined with calculated malice. Those who possess "upright conduct" are not simply ignored; they are targeted because of the threat they pose to evil schemes. Integrity provokes opposition.

The derogatory images in February of Barack and Michelle Obama illustrate the malice that is present in the hearts and minds of evildoers.

“The Lord laughs at him, For He sees that his day is coming.”
The laughter of the Lord is not amusement but derision. God mocks the intentions of the wicked. He is never anxious about the schemes of evildoers, nor should we be anxious. The coming “day” refers to the appointed time of reckoning. The wicked operate on borrowed time.

“The wicked have drawn the sword And have bent their bow, To cast down the poor and needy, To slay those who are of upright conduct.”

This does not speak of random violence, but targeted injustice. The wicked exploit vulnerability and exercise power with cruelty. Psalm 37 reminds us that injustice is not permanent.

“Their sword shall enter their own heart, And their bows shall be broken.”
The instruments of their violence become instruments of self-destruction. We see this principle throughout Scripture: wicked people are self-destructive.
~ Haman’s gallows (Esther 7)
~ Daniel’s accusers (Daniel 6)
~ The principle of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7)
~ "Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them" (Proverbs 26:27)

The “breaking of the bow” signifies the removal of power and capacity to harm. Evil carries the seeds of its own collapse. It is amazing how Scripture not only exposes human nature but also outlines the consequences of behavior—good or bad.

Even with difficult passages like this, we can take hope that God sees everything. He has given humans free will, so people can choose to do wrong or to do well. Those of us committed to doing well must continue shining our light.

Put another way, Jesus said that we are “the light of the world.” He intends for us to shine our lights in every area of life.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Where sin abounded, grace much more abounded.” (Romans 5:20).

Our hope in God is always greater than the schemes of the wicked.

Reflection question: Why is God not "stressed" about evildoers? What gives you hope?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

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