Dealing With Liars

Shimei publicly humiliated David by casting stones at him (v. 6), cursing him, and calling him a “bloody man” and a “man of Belial.” It always hurts when people attack us with caustic words (Prov 12:18). People nowadays also do it publicly through social media or behind our backs. While David was guilty of murder by arranging the death of Uriah (2 Sam 11:15), the rest of Shimei’s words were blatant lies! Most folks who have a habit of lying tend to exaggerate, which is a form of lying (Ps 120:2). They may not necessarily intend to lie. But anytime a person misrepresents the truth; either by saying something about another person without first verifying if it’s true (Prov 18:2), or by slightly twisting the facts to their advantage (Prov 12:19), just to make themselves look good – then they have already committed a lie!

They don’t realize that there are complications and consequences to their actions (Prov 21:6); which could easily lead to broken relationships (Gal 6:7)! David was certainly not a “man of Belial,” because he was God’s anointed king of Israel (1 Chr 16:22). Shimei was a bitter and angry person (Prov 14:10). He knew that David was already at the lowest point of his life (2 Sam 15:33). But instead of helping, he stomped on David with some very cruel and personal attacks (v. 7). David could have allowed Abishai to kill Shimei (v. 9).

 But he responded with grace, compassion, and humility (v. 11). Sadly, when someone hurts us, our initial reaction is to hurt them back twice as bad (Lev 19:18). However, we ought to imitate David, by leaving the matter in God’s hand (1 Pet 5:7). Because He knows the truth behind everything (Ps 147:5). And He knows exactly how to settle the score if needed (Rom 12:19). He also gives us the grace to get past the hurt (2 Cor 12:9), so we can move forward with a tender heart that is always willing to forgive! God bless you!

-Pastor Melito Barrera