Chapter 249 of 1163

1 SAMUEL 21

Departure. David lived as an exile for about ten years, during which time Saul tried to kill him and Saul’s followers lied about him. Many people in Israel actually believed that David was a rebel against the king and that David was trying to destroy Saul. David had to leave his reputation with God and trust Him to silence the accusers.

Deception. It is disappointing to see David depending on lies for protection. He lied to the priest and to the king, but he could not lie to Doeg: “For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light” (Luke 16:8). Whenever you think you have “pulled off” a smart deal, you will find a Doeg ready to give you trouble (1 Sam. 22:9ff.; see also Ps. 52).

“Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight” (Prov. 12:22).

Is It Ever Right to Lie?

Scripture commands us to tell the truth and warns about the consequences of lying. Jesus is our example, for there was no deceit in His mouth (1 Pet. 2:22). We must always speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). If our telling the truth endangers others, silence is our best response. When David ran ahead of God, he found himself in trouble and lied. The safest thing is to stay away from those situations and to pray, “Lead us not into temptation.”

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