Cry and Keep Truth

The cry of Israel under Sisera and the cry of the psalmist under lying lips are one lesson: distress is not healed by clever speech, but by repentance and steadfastness before God. In Judges, the people are brought low because, as Tertullian says, “So soon as one of the judges died, they proceeded to transgress more than their fathers had done by going after the gods of others, and serving and worshipping them.” Trouble did not come by chance. Their bondage followed their compromise.

Yet when they cried out, the Lord heard. He raised help through weak and unexpected servants, so that no one might boast in strength. Thus we learn both fear and hope: fear, because sin ripens into bitter fruit; hope, because God does not despise the cry of the penitent.

Psalm 120 shows another battlefield. Not every enemy comes with chariots. Some come with lips. A deceitful tongue wounds households, divides brethren, flatters the proud, and excuses evil. Therefore Clement says, “let the false lips become speechless, and let the Lord destroy the boastful tongue: those who say, We shall magnify our tongue, and our lips are our own;” The tongue is not our own. It was made to confess God, speak truth, bless the innocent, and ask forgiveness quickly.

So let us not only cry for deliverance; let us put away the causes of our misery. Cast down the little idols that rule appetite and reputation. Fast from vain speech. If you have lied, confess it plainly. If you have repeated slander, repair the harm. The Lord who hears distress also judges deceit, and He gives victory to those who walk in truth.