THURSDAY, AUGUST 23
Psalm 52:1-9
1 Samuel 21:1-9; 22:7-23

“… The sabbath was made for
man, and not man for the sabbath.”

TALE-BEARING IS A COWARD’S UNDERCOVER SLAYING

Doeg’s tale-bearing to Saul resulted in his slaying of Ahimelech and his house, eighty-five priests in the city of Nob. The circumstance leading to this ignominious tragedy was David’s fleeing in great haste from Saul to Nob. As he and his young followers fled from Saul empty-handed, Ahimelech gave him shewbread which was taken out of the “temple.” Though it was not lawful for “lay people” to eat this sacred bread, the need to satisfy their hunger, according to our Lord, permitted this (Mark 2:25-26). The law of necessity overrides the law of ceremony. As David was unarmed, Ahimelech gave him Goliath’s sword. Now, one man who saw all this was Doeg, an Edomite, Saul’s chief shepherd.

When Saul charged his officers with conspiracy in David’s escape, Doeg disclosed what had transpired at Nob. His tale-bearing led to the merciless execution. Only one son of Ahimelech, Abiathar, escaped to David to tell the story. Read what David said to Abiathar in 1 Samuel 22:22-23. The tongue, according to James 3:8, is “an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” Though by it we bless God, by it we also curse men, who are “made after the similitude of God” (James 3:9). In the church, leaders are often maligned by careless lips. Read Paul’s admonishment in 1 Timothy 5:19.

David sees in Doeg’s tale-bearing a reckless spirit independent of God, a spirit of reliance on one’s wealth and prowess (Ps 52:7). Tale-bearing stems also from a boastful craftiness (Ps 52: 1). The tale-bearer’s tongue is likened to a razor blade that can be used treacherously (Ps 52:2). Talebearing which springs from an evil heart is tantamount to lying (Ps 52:3). Tale-bearing uses devouring words, which are like an arrow released from the bow of a deceitful tongue (Ps 52:4). While it can bring destruction, it must be appropriately avenged by God the Judge of all men (Ps 52:5). The righteous will be awed by what will be meted by God to the talebearer and “laugh at him” (Ps 52:6). “He who laughs last laughs best.” While the tale-bearer will be punished, the righteous stands forever.

THOUGHT: How can I tame my tongue?
PRAYER: Father, forgive my unruly tongue.