No Longer my Debt To Collect
BRD REFLECTION 2025
Proverbs 10, 11 and Psalm 109 (NIV)
(Emmeline Wong from Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Proverbs 10; Proverbs 11:13 and Psalm 109 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
The words “mouth/lips/tongue” appear 13 times in Proverbs 10, highlighting the power of our words and impact of our tongue. Notably, these are words expressed towards others rather than to God.
In contrast, Psalm 109, is a direct prayer to God. In David’s anguish, he cries out to God for justice. He prays against his enemies and turns to God’s mercy and righteousness. He concludes his prayer with a declaration, “With my mouth I will greatly extol the Lord.”
APPLY:
Today’s readings reminded me of how I have responded to past experiences of accusations and lies. During seasons of betrayal and injustice, I often turned to passages like Psalm 109: 21-31. I tend to avoid verses 6-20 as I hesitate to pray such imprecatory words. I question how these prayers differ from the concept of “da xiao ren” in Chinese practice.
To rationalize the injustice I faced, I suppressed my feelings and sought to justify their actions. However, I started to grow resentful towards my accusers. While I know cognitively that vengeance belongs to God, I find myself gossiping about my accusers as a form of emotional release. Then I am reminded of verses like those in Proverbs 10:18-21 and Proverbs 11:13, and I feel sinful and guilty for gossiping.
Pastor Ray’s sermon on “Angry Worship” brought an entirely new perspective on imprecatory prayer. I learnt that there is a place for righteous anger and trust in God’s sovereign justice. In moments of angry worship, I am called to surrender the vengeance to God and forgive my accusers. Praying Psalm 109:6-20 becomes an act of entrusting justice to God and “allowing God to be the debt collector”. When I know that the debt is no longer mine to collect, the need to harbour or express resentment is released.
DO:
Rather than resorting to personal vengeance or engaging in gossip when confronted with injustice, I choose to trust in God’s sovereign justice and await His intervention, accomplished in His way and in His perfect timing.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, You are my Defender and Deliverer. You see every injustice and wound. I turn to You for Your divine justice and intervention. It is no longer my debt to collect. Guard my tongue against gossiping. With my mouth, I will greatly extol You! In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.
