The Book of Proverbs Chapter 6 identifies what we can call the seven ills. Here is the list as contained in verses 16-19: “These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren” (NKJV). The number two on the list is a lying tongue which has been our focus in the past two meditations. David is credited as the author of Psalm 101 where we have the text for today’s meditation. How did he come to the decision that he who tells lies would not continue in his presence? He had been a victim of lying tongues a couple of times.
Those who lie seek to illegally control others. They give wrong information upon which others form opinion and make decisions. That is one of the reasons why God frowns at lying and liars…Denial of access to God’s presence is a sorer punishment for lies.
One man claimed that he killed Saul, hoping for a reward; but it was a lie. As with most cases of lying, it became counter-productive. Rather than get a reward, he was killed. On another occasion, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth, had lied against him before David. In fierce anger, David ceded all that belonged to the poor prince to Ziba. He obtained it by fraud. By the time David knew the truth he could only reverse the damage half-way. Those who lie seek to illegally control others. They give wrong information upon which others form opinion and make decisions. That is one of the reasons why God frowns at lying and liars. Lying is one of the works of the flesh; and those who walk in the flesh cannot fulfill the laws of the Spirit. Our text has double application. It could be seen as a decision reached by David not to entertain liars around him. On a second note, since the words were inspired by the Spirit, it could also be interpreted as God raising a bar against liars. Denial of access to God’s presence is a sorer punishment for lies.