Do you indeed speak righteousness, you silent ones? Do you judge uprightly, you sons of men? (Psalm 58:1)

On the second occasion when David was presented with the opportunity to slay Saul, instead of taking his life, he took his spear and a water jug that was sitting next to his head. After retrieving these items, David went to a far hill and began calling out to the king’s sleeping bodyguard, Abner, saying, “Do you not answer, Abner?” When Abner inquired who was addressing him, David replied, “Are you not a man? And who is like you in Israel? Why then have you not guarded your lord the king?” (1 Samuel 26:14-15). At this point, it seems that Abner was at a loss for words; what could he say? He had failed to protect the king and, apparently, could not bring himself to acknowledge that David had acted honorably in the matter.

Jewish commentators believe that this exchange inspired the opening line of this psalm, “Do you indeed speak righteousness, you silent ones?” Abner had been very vocal when he sought to convince Saul of David’s alleged treason and guilt but when faced with the fact that David had twice spared Saul, Abner was stunned into silence. His hard heartedness would not allow him to speak in a righteous manner, thus David’s statement in the psalm, “Do you judge uprightly, you sons of men?”

Abner had an opportunity to acknowledge the truth in that moment and, who knows, perhaps help heal the rift between David and Saul — but he remained silent refusing to acknowledge reality. Wicked men are always quick to spew forth words of condemnation when it suits their agenda. However when faced with facts that dispute their narrative, they are typically left speechless — unless it is to offer some weak excuse intended to soften the sting of facts. In contrast to this, those who serve the Lord faithfully should always remain silent when the opportunity to harm another presents itself, and conversely, be quick to speak when truth and righteousness need to be upheld. Truth will prevail with us or without us, but as God’s people, a love of the truth should always be present in our lives, even when it stings.

Blessings and Shalom,  

Bill 

Become a Premium Partner

or make a one time gift below.