Compare 2 Samuel 11:17 with Proverbs 6:16-19 on God's view of deceit. Setting the Scene: David’s Deceit in 2 Samuel 11:17 “ When the men of the city came out and fought against Joab, some of the men of David’s army fell; and Uriah the Hittite also died.” • David’s secret plot was to make Uriah’s death appear as a casualty of ordinary combat (vv. 14-15). • The verse records the success of that scheme: Uriah dies, and David’s hands seem clean. • Behind the scene stand lies, manipulation, and the calculated shedding of innocent blood—exactly what God detests. God’s Stated Verdict on Deceit: Proverbs 6:16-19 “16 There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, 19 a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers.” • Three of the seven abominations involve deception outright: – “a lying tongue” – “a heart that devises wicked schemes” – “a false witness who gives false testimony” • The list shows deceit is never neutral; it breeds violence, discord, and destruction. Side-by-Side Observations • 2 Samuel 11:17 acts out what Proverbs 6 labels detestable. • David’s “heart that devises wicked schemes” (v. 18) planned Uriah’s downfall. • The king’s message to Joab was a “lying tongue” (v. 17); the battlefield cover-up was false testimony (v. 19). • “Hands that shed innocent blood” (v. 17) appears both in the proverb and in the narrative outcome. • God’s hatred of deceit is not theoretical; it draws divine intervention (2 Samuel 12:1-12). The Cost of Concealed Sin • Broken fellowship with God (Psalm 51:11-12). • Public exposure: Nathan’s rebuke uncovers everything (2 Samuel 12:7-9). • Family turmoil and national consequence (2 Samuel 12:10-14; 16:22). • Inner anguish until confession (Psalm 32:3-5). Why God Takes Lying So Seriously • God’s very nature is truth (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2). • Satan is “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44); deceit aligns with the enemy. • “You shall not bear false witness” stands in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:16). • Persistent liars are barred from the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:8). • Truth sets people free (John 8:32); lies enslave. Walking in Truth Today • Guard the heart—deceit begins there (Jeremiah 17:9; Proverbs 4:23). • Reject half-truths and rationalizations: “Do not lie to one another” (Colossians 3:9-10). • When sin occurs, confess quickly (1 John 1:9); secrecy compounds guilt. • Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:25); truthfulness builds trust and unity. • Imitate Christ, “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14), letting His Word dwell richly in you (Colossians 3:16). |
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