I call on the Lord in my distress,
    and he answers me.
 

Save me, Lord,
    from lying lips
    and from deceitful tongues.

 What will he do to you,
    and what more besides,
    you deceitful tongue?
 

He will punish you with a warrior’s sharp arrows,
    with burning coals of the broom bush.

Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek,
    that I live among the tents of Kedar!
 

Too long have I lived
    among those who hate peace.
 

I am for peace;
    but when I speak, they are for war.

It almost sounds like David is apologizing for how he’s started to become like those around him. He’s been living in a land full of untruthful people. Apparently, his neighbors are antagonistic, deceitful, and lie a lot, but David desires something different, the Lord’s peace and defense. 

We all know how easy it is for others to rub off on us. Hang out with a bunch of people who are deceitful for a while and…well, we become a lot like that. 

David reminds himself that God frowns on that kind of duplicity. He is fierce against those who harm others with their slanderous words or selfish motives. David calls instead on the One who is the defender of the weak and the God of all truth, the One who is passionate about truth, even when all others are just a bunch of liars (Romans 3:4).

So how are we today? As people who dwell in the world, we must check ourselves so that we are still reflecting the completely true God, and not just resembling those who surround us. 

Lord, please keep us remembering Your requirements and speaking Your truth.