5 Psalms to read about the wicked (Psalms verses to pray against the wicked)

I enjoy reading the book of Psalms because it has chapters and verses that emphasize praying against the wicked, and I believe every Christian should understand what to do to the wicked.

Recently, during a bible study session, we were discussing what the bible says about the wicked when a member asked which verse in the book of Psalms talks about praying against them.

Given my knowledge of as a theologian with a deep understanding of the bible, I was happy to share my views. The discussion inspired me to write this article to share my knowledge for those of you wondering which Psalm to read to pray against the wicked.

5 Psalms to read against the wicked

Psalm 37:1-2

“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.”

The Psalmist in the Psalm begins by advising you not to worry about the wicked. He suggests that you should not let the actions of the wicked trouble your heart but instead turn your focus to God and trust in His justice.

Therefore, this Psalm is the best to read against the wicked because it encourages you to trust in God’s justice rather than seeking vengeance.

Psalm 58:6-8

“Break the teeth in their mouths, O God; Lord, tear out the fangs of those lions! Let them vanish like water that flows away; when they draw the bow, let their arrows fall short. May they be like a slug that melts away as it moves along, like a stillborn child that never sees the sun.”

The Psalmist, in these verses, expresses frustration and anger toward the wicked, more so the unjust leaders and judges.

Therefore, you can consider reading this Psalm when praying against unjust leaders as you pray for their transformation.

Psalm 139:19-22

“If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty! They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you? I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.”

In these verses, the Psalmist conveys a desire for God to take action against the wicked who speak against God. So, as a Christian, this is one of the best Psalms to consider when praying for redemption for the wicked and the hope that they may turn away from wickedness.

Psalm 94:23

“He will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness; the Lord our God will destroy them.”

This verse shows that the Lord will hold the wicked accountable for their actions. That the wicked will face the consequences of their behavior.

Therefore, this is one of the best Psalms to read when praying against the wicked because it gives you confidence that they will not go unpunished.

Psalm 52:1-4

“Why do you boast of evil, you mighty hero? Why do you boast all day long, you who are a disgrace in the eyes of God? You who practice deceit, your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor. You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth. You love every harmful word, you deceitful tongue!”

The Psalmist in these verses explains the difference between the behavior of the wicked and the steadfast love of God, which endures forever.

This Psalm helps you recognize and acknowledge the wickedness and deceitful actions of people who harm others. Therefore, this is the best Psalm to read when you want the action of the wicked to be condemned.

How to use Psalms to ask God to punish the wicked

Using Psalms to pray for God to punish the wicked is a sensitive matter, and it should be done with a desire for God’s will to be done.

Some theologians believe that to ask God to punish the wicked, you need to examine your intention and motive first. When using these Psalms, focus on asking God to bring about justice and transformation in the lives of the wicked.

Other bible scholars emphasize that make sure your desire for justice comes from a place of righteousness and not personal motives, then ask God to punish the wicked.

How do you use the Psalms to pray against the wicked people plotting against you?

The first thing to do is to choose a specific Psalm to stand in while praying, meditate on it, and understand the context and sentiments expressed by the Psalmist in his prayer for protection from the wicked.

Then, adopt the language and the content of the Psalm you chose to pray against people plotting against you.

Can you use these Psalms to cancel the works of the enemy?

Most theologians and bible scholars believe that you can use these Psalms to cancel the works of the enemy because these Psalms expresses the desire for God’s intervention against those who seek to harm you.

So, you can stand in these Psalms to cancel the works of the enemy against you. They also emphasize other verses in the bible, and you can stand in to cancel the works of the enemy like Romans 8:31.

This verse teaches that with God on your side, you can overcome anything.

Can you pray these Psalms on behalf of someone else?

Some theologians believe that these Psalms are personal. However, they also encourage you to use them to pray for God’s intervention against the wicked for another person.

When praying for the well-being and protection of another person, you can use a similar process as you pray for yourself.

Can you pray these Psalms against spiritual wickedness?

Most bible scholars believe that you can stand in these Psalms to pray against spiritual wickedness. Psalms 91 is commonly used to pray against spiritual wickedness because it speaks of the reward of the wicked.

They also suggest that you can stand in James 4:7, which encourages you to submit to God and resist the influence of spiritual wickedness.