Psalms 35:19
“Don’t let those who are my enemies wrongfully rejoice over me; neither let those who hate me without a cause wink their eyes.”
What does Psalms 35:19 mean?
When you're being treated unfairly by people who seem to enjoy your suffering, it's natural to cry out against the injustice of it all. The psalmist here is asking God not to let his enemies have the satisfaction of victory, especially not over something they've fabricated or exaggerated. That winking of the eye was a gesture of mockery and smugness in ancient times, so the prayer is really saying: don't let them get away with their cruel gloating. What makes this psalm powerful is that the writer doesn't demand revenge, but rather places the situation in God's hands. He's essentially saying, "I know I haven't deserved this treatment, and I'm trusting you to see that and act justly." If you're struggling under false accusations or watching people celebrate your hardship, this verse acknowledges that pain and brings it honestly before God, which is where it actually belongs.