Ps. 10 – Three reasons we should raise peacemaking sons

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This wasn’t the first title to this post.

Because some believe Ps. 9 & 10 were intended to be read together, I almost named it: “The sons I want to have.” It fit very nicely with my post on its sister psalm – the mom I want to be – after all.

But in the end, I worried that my words might be used against me. I didn’t want anyone to misread my love and contentment with the four-year-old twinados God has given me. I love them completely – every growing inch!

But all moms will concede that they have certain desires for their kids. I’m no different. I pray my children grow up to be mighty men who love God and love others. I tell them that every day, so there’s no violation in telling you as well.

Depending on your point of view or culture, a mighty man can look like many things. But in Ps. 10, David says that mighty men are peacemakers.

I want to be a mom who promotes peace and puts the kibosh on trouble.

Why? David gives us three reasons why we should raise peace-making sons.

1.      Scripture links troublemaking with unabashed wickedness (Ps. 10:1-11)

Our actions, emotions, and words spill from the depths of our heart. If our heart is wicked, then our behavior will be too (Eph. 2:1-3). According to David, a wicked heart causes trouble.

Here’s what a heart bent on trouble looks like in Ps. 10:

• boastful of sin (vs. 2-3)
• blesses the greedy (vs. 3)
• renounces The Lord (vs. 3)
• doesn’t seek God/seeks self (vs. 4)
• thinks of himself (vs. 4)
• tricked into believing he is right (vs. 4-5)
• sneers at his enemies (vs. 5)
• believes he is untouchable (vs. 6)
• mouth is full of cursing & lies (vs. 7)
• oppresses others with his words (vs. 7)
• hides in darkness (vs. 8)
• plots over weak (vs. 8-9)
• murders the innocent (vs. 8)
• desires to overtake helpless (vs. 9)
• hunts the poor (vs. 9)
• he is strong (aggressive) (vs. 9-10)
• believes he has out-smarted God (vs. 11)
• believes he will evade punishment (vs. 11)

2.  Scripture says God repays trouble (Ps. 10:12-15)

Troublemakers are men and women who have lawless hearts – hearts which say: “I am king. I do not have to give an account” (vs. 13). We know, however, there is but one King who will one day put an end to lawlessness and troublemaking.

How so? David says God requires an account.

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• God sees trouble (vs. 14, 17)
• God repays trouble (vs. 14)

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Repaying trouble is more than the bad guy “getting” it in the end (i.e.: it does not go well with him). When God repays trouble, he is establishing justice and restoring peace to his creation in a cosmic sense.

It’s why David calls our attention to the cosmic reign of the King when he warns us of the coming justice against troublemakers.

3. Scripture admonishes us to pursue peace in humility (Ps. 10:16-18)

If troublemakers have lawless hearts, then conversely, peacemakers have humble hearts (vs. 12, 16). Peacemakers are men (and women) who have given their hearts to God (Ps. 10:17). The interests of their hearts are aligned with the interests of the King.

Here’s what peacemakers look like according to Ps. 10. They look like God who pursues peace for the:

• oppressed (vs. 18)
• fatherless (vs. 14, 18)
• helpless (vs. 14)

Peacemakers pursue peace by striving after the things that God desires – justice and peace.

As moms, this should challenge us to direct the hearts of our sons (& daughters) toward God’s peace through Christ.  Just as our Great God does not overlook sin, nor wink at troublemaking, nor should we.

At any given time in our house there is fighting, troublemaking, pride, and worse! My prayer is that one day the foundation of Scripture will take root in their hearts. So, here’s some verses we’re trying to commit to memory to prepare our hearts for peace:

• Prov. 6:16-18: “These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil,  A false witness who speaks lies,
  And one who sows discord among brethren.”
• Matt. 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.”

While we are working on Prov. 6 in bits and pieces, these verses have been helpful starting places to help the boys get to the root issue of fighting or willful troublemaking.

Ultimately, almost every mom I know wants life “to go well” with her children, but sometimes the pursuit of peace can be a difficult road. Men who pursue peace by protecting the weak and championing the helpless are asking the wicked to give an account for their actions.  It is why Scripture paints the picture of peacemakers as being more than meek, but of mighty and courageous character.

As mothers we should strive to raise peacemakers – not so there will be peace and happiness on earth – but so there will be justice. I pray my children grow up to be mighty men who love God and love others.

Dear Lord, please capture the hearts of my boys and direct them toward you. Help me to rely on the Helper you’ve given me to teach my boys to pursue the things that you care about. Prepare their hearts to see the lost and hurting and respond with love and compassion. Amen.

What do you YOU do in your house to help with troublemaking and guide your kiddos to peace? Share your ideas!