Psalm 120:3

Psalm 120:3

Lies anger God!

This is a sombre verse. The author’s enemies have been lying about him, and it seems that these lies have had a ripple effect in that God Himself is troubled by them. So much so, that the psalmist dares to suggest that those who perpetrate these falsehoods are going to be accountable to the Lord! It’s not clear if these words are a retaliatory taunt or come from a heart of genuine concern. “Do you think you can get away with these lies? What do you think God is going to make of all of this? Have you not considered that you are accountable to Him and that He punishes those with deceitful tongues?”

The story of Eli and Samuel comes to mind here, Eli demands that the young man recounts everything that God has spoken to him. Samuel is caught between a rock and a hard place, he knows that God’s pronouncement will hurt the elderly priest, on the other hand he dare not lie or seek to deceive the old man. That is why Eli asks Samuel, “What was it He said to you? Do not hide it from me. May God deal with you, be it ever so severely, if you hide from me anything He told you.” 1 Samuel 3:17. These words are a curse formula, they are being used by the priest to instruct the young Samuel that he must never lie or deceive when God is involved! Samuel must tell Eli the truth, exactly as he heard it from the Lord.

This is a troubling lesson for those of us who serve the Lord and lead, teach or preach in His name. It applies to all who have prophetic gifts or who claim to hear the word of the Lord. It should also be a warning to every believer. We have a responsibility to speak the truth, even when it may hurt, there is no place for lies and deceit in the Kingdom of God. 

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