The Other Fingers

(Psa 120:2 KJV)  Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.

(Proverbs 23 also read)

When I started reading this verse I was thinking this involved “lying” (8267) lips of other people.   That would certainly be a good reason for God to “deliver” (5337) me, but I kept reading.

There is just as much evidence that the author is talking about his own lying lips.  That perspective is the one we should be most concerned about.  

We tend to focus on the shortcomings of others and ignore our own weaknesses.  You have heard the illustration of how when you point your finger at someone there are three more pointing back at you.  That applies here.

So?  The Bible is written for you to read to see what God wants you to hear.  Listen.  

Anger Management

Psalm 120:7 (KJV) I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.

(Proverbs 19 also read)

In our current political situation with people attacking conservatives and Christians, we sometimes have a feeling that if we don’t stand up and start fighting back that we’re going be overrun.  There may come a time for that, but we need to be very, very careful.  This verse specifically tells us that we are to be for peace, not war.

Now, obviously, David was a man of war.  That was one of the reasons he wasn’t allowed to build the temple.  We have many cases in the Old Testament, where war was part of the program.  We look at Romans chapter 13 where it tells us that the government is supposed to bear the sword to punish evil.  There is a place for the use of force.

We are, on the other hand, supposed to be advocates of peace.  That does not mean that we do not expect justice.  It does not mean that we just allow anybody to trample on our culture, but it means that we go overboard in trying to act with grace and love.

So?  Things may change.  There may come a time when the government which is supposed to bear the sword against evil becomes evil itself.  But we are a long way from that.  Keep praying and trusting and hoping that there are enough believers in our society, enough salt, to bring God to our rescue.  

Lying Lips

(Psa 120:2 KJV)  Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.

(Proverbs 21 also read)

Whose “lips” (8193) are doing the “lying” (8267)?  It may be obvious to you but it is not to me.  Is this about others lying about David or is it David lying about others.  Or for that matter it could be David lying about himself.  To make an application substitute your name in for that of David.

There is nothing we can do about others talking about us.  There is something we can do about what our mouth does.  In either case it is really going to be the work of the Holy Spirit to bring about change.  

So?  There is the element of trust here.  There is the necessity of repentance.  One goes for those lying about you.  Both apply to our actions.  Truth is basic to our spiritual walks and to the operation of our society.