The hypocrite (Greek- hupokrites) was originally an actor. Theatrical make-up in those days took the form of a mask which the actor wore. On it would be painted the character and the mood which the actor portrayed. It might be a smiling face which hid the sad heart of the actor behind it. It might be a face of virtue which hid behind it a life of vice. In acting there can be a great discrepancy between the part which is played and the reality of the life which lies behind it… The same can be true of faith. We can profess much and possess little. Indeed there is always the temptation in Christian fellowships to pretend to be something other than what we are.
Sinclair Ferguson

Bible – English_World – Psalms Chapter 55:1-23.

Index: World English Bible

 

Psalms 55

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55:1 <> Listen to my prayer, God. Don’t hide yourself from my supplication.

55:2 Attend to me, and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and moan,

55:3 Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked. For they bring suffering on me. In anger they hold a grudge against me.

55:4 My heart is severely pained within me. The terrors of death have fallen on me.

55:5 Fearfulness and trembling have come on me. Horror has overwhelmed me.

55:6 I said, “Oh that I had wings like a dove! Then I would fly away, and be at rest.

55:7 Behold, then I would wander far off. I would lodge in the wilderness.” Selah.

55:8 “I would hurry to a shelter from the stormy wind and tempest.”

55:9 Confuse them, Lord, and confound their language, For I have seen violence and strife in the city.

55:10 Day and night they prowl around on its walls. Malice and abuse are also within her.

55:11 Destructive forces are within her. Threats and lies don’t depart from her streets.

55:12 For it was not an enemy who insulted me, Then I could have endured it. Neither was it he who hated me who raised himself up against me, Then I would have hid myself from him.

55:13 But it was you, a man like me, My companion, and my familiar friend.

55:14 We took sweet fellowship together. We walked in God’s house with company.

55:15 Let death come suddenly on them. Let them go down alive into Sheol. For wickedness is in their dwelling, in the midst of them.

55:16 As for me, I will call on God. Yahweh will save me.

55:17 Evening, morning, and at noon, I will cry out in distress. He will hear my voice.

55:18 He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, Although there are many who oppose me.

55:19 God, who is enthroned forever, Will hear, and answer them. Selah. They never change, Who don’t fear God.

55:20 He raises his hands against his friends. He has violated his covenant.

55:21 His mouth was smooth as butter, But his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords.

55:22 Cast your burden on Yahweh, and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved.

55:23 But you, God, will bring them down into the pit of destruction. Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days, But I will trust in you.