This psalm written by David does not seem to be dealing with enemies but with friends. Maybe he said or did something they did not like or understand. This is a common problem between husbands and wives, people in general, and even between pastors and churches.
Because I have not walked in your shoes, I may not understand the things you are sensitive to. And you may not be aware of the thing you are sensitive to until someone says or does that thing that sets you off. I remember a pastor friend who said that in his first church as pastor he was confronted after a service by one of the members who said “I don’t like the way you preach”. When the pastor asked why, he was told “because you don’t run up and down the aisles like the last preacher”. Obviously, the member wasn’t complaining about the message but about theatrics.
David made three requests of those who were unhappy. First, he asked them to not let anger control them. As humans, we have a tendency to want to be angry with someone who has hurt us. Second he asked them to quit talking about the problem and sleep on it overnight to see if they still feel the same in the morning. It is possible we may let our emotions get out of hand simply because we are hungry or tired. Once we have rested and thought through what made us angry, we see how little the issue is in reality or maybe why we had the reaction we did. Third, David asked the people to “offer sacrifices in the right spirit, and trust the Lord”. When we think of all God has done for us, how He has forgiven us and blessed us, how can we continue to be angry with another believer.
David closed this psalm with words of godly wisdom: “in peace, I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, will keep me safe”. Paul gives similar instruction to the church. “And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, He has identified you as His own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be king to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:30-32 (NLT).