Psalm 5

Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness
because of my enemies;
make your way straight before me.
For there is no truth in their mouths;
their hearts are destruction;
their throats are open graves;
they flatter with their tongues.
Make them bear their guilt, O God;
let them fall by their own counsels;
because of their many transgressions cast them out,
for they have rebelled against you.
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
so that those who love your name may exult in you.
For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
you cover them with favour as with a shield.

The enemies of the psalmist are external.

My enemies are much more internal.

Yet the words of the psalm are as good - better? - for me.

In Hebrew this particular enemy is sorek, literally choice vines or the best wine.

Our finest fruits can threaten us, if we mistake their source.

When we flatter ourselves for being clever and creative we are little more than rancid raisins.

When we sing in joy and thankgiving for what we have freely received, there is the chance for a great vintage.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. (John 15:1-4)

Psalm 5