תהלים, פרק ל״ה, פסוק כ׳

The enemies of the psalmist are defined not just by their open hostility, but by the deep malice of their secret thoughts. They are entirely incapable of speaking pleasantly; instead, every conversation they have is fueled by conflict and aggression [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, מאירי]. These harsh words are directed straight at the poet, intended to strip away his peace of mind or to cruelly suggest that he will never find forgiveness for his sins, even after death [אלשיך].

Beyond their aggressive speech, these enemies silently plot deceit. Commentators offer distinct ways to understand exactly who falls victim to these schemes, generally dividing the targets into two main concepts: those who are broken, and those who are at rest.

One approach suggests the enemies target the most vulnerable members of society. They focus their deceit on the humble, the broken-hearted, and those forced into exile [רש״י, מאירי]. Some understand this literally, explaining that the enemies plot against persecuted people who are forced to hide in physical cracks and secret places in the ground [אבן עזרא, מצודת ציון, מצודת דוד]. However, [רד״ק] rejects the idea of physical hiding spots, pointing out that deceitful thoughts take place internally in the mind and do not require a physical hiding place the way actions or spoken words might.

A contrasting perspective argues that the enemies target the quiet, peaceful people of the land who do absolutely no harm to anyone [רד״ק, אלשיך, שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, [רד״ק] suggests that rather than targeting the peaceful, the hypocritical enemies actually join forces with complacent, comfortable wicked people to weave their plots together.

A highly unique interpretation views those at rest in the earth as a reference to the dead. According to this understanding, the enemies invent false stories about the poet. To make sure no one can disprove their lies, they deceitfully claim they heard these rumors from people who have already passed away and can no longer testify [מלבי״ם].