What does Psalm 120:3 reveal about the consequences of lying? “What will He do to you, and what will He add to you, O deceitful tongue?” Immediate answer in the text • The verse frames God’s response as certain and personal: He will “do” something to the liar and “add” something more—implying layered, escalating judgment. • The question form creates suspense, leading straight into verse 4’s answer: “Sharp arrows of the warrior, with burning coals of the broom tree”. What the imagery tells us about lying’s consequences • Swift precision: “Sharp arrows” picture judgment that finds its target; lies cannot dodge God’s justice. • Pain and penetration: Arrows pierce deeply—falsehood wounds both the speaker and those deceived. • Consuming fire: “Burning coals of the broom tree” (a hardwood that burns hot and long) portray prolonged, purifying pain; deceit invites fire that keeps smoldering. • Divine, not human, discipline: These arrows are “of the warrior”—the ultimate Warrior is the LORD Himself (Isaiah 42:13). The liar faces God, not mere human backlash. Wider biblical witness • Proverbs 12:19 — “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.” • Proverbs 19:5 — “A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.” • Colossians 3:9-10 — “Do not lie to one another… put on the new self.” • Revelation 21:8 — “all liars— their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur.” Key takeaways for today • God actively opposes deceit; consequences are unavoidable and severe. • Lies produce inward and outward damage, mirrored by arrows and coals. • Repentance and truth-telling align us with God’s character and spare us from escalating judgment. Living it out • Guard your tongue: pause before speaking, test words against Scripture (Psalm 141:3). • Seek accountability: invite trusted believers to confront any hint of dishonesty (James 5:16). • Replace lies with truth: meditate on John 14:6; let Christ, “the Truth,” reshape your speech and actions. |
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