Show Don't Tell: Psalm 41

Instead of saying "Those who help the poor are blessed," watch betrayal unfold. "Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the LORD delivers them in times of trouble. The LORD protects and preserves them—they are counted among the blessed in the land—he does not give them over to the desire of their foes. The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness." Promise to those who care for the weak: protection when they themselves are weak. "I said, 'Have mercy on me, LORD; heal me, for I have sinned against you.' My enemies say of me in malice, 'When will he die and his name perish?' When one of them comes to see me, he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander; then he goes out and spreads it around." Bedside visitors collecting gossip. "All my enemies whisper together against me; they imagine the worst for me, saying, 'A vile disease has afflicted him; he will never get up from the place where he lies.'" They diagnose terminal illness, hoping it's true. "Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me." Jesus quotes this of Judas. "But may you have mercy on me, LORD; raise me up, that I may repay them. I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen." The doxology closes Book 1 of the Psalter.