In Psalms chapter four David prayed, “Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: you have enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer”, and in chapter four and verse two David asked the, “sons of men, how long will you turn my glory into shame?” where we read,
O you sons of men, how long will you turn my glory into shame?
how long will you love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
The verse begins, “O you sons of men, how long will you turn my glory into shame?” David began with the words, “O you sons of men” or “O you male offspring and progeny belonging to human beings both male and female”, “how long will you turn” which means “for what amount of time, degree and point will you, O sons of men, change and alter” “my glory” or “my, David's, honor, splendor, dignity and reputation”: “into shame” which means “toward disgrace, reproach, confusion, dishonor, insult and ignominy”. David asked the children of people who were opposed to him for what length of time they would change and alter his “reputation of honor and splendor” to a state of “disgrace, dishonor and ignominy”.
The verse continues, “how long will you love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.” David added the words, “how long” or “for what length of time” “will you love vanity” which means “shall you, O sons of men, have affection for emptiness, idleness, worthlessness and things of no purpose”, “and seek after leasing” or “and to desire, exact, demand and require lies, untruth, falsehood and deceptive practices”? “Selah” which means “lift up, exalt and pause to think about it”. David wrote how he questioned the “Sons of men” about the length of time they would be affectionate for emptiness and desire lies and deception, and anyone reading or hearing these words should pause and ponder them.
When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how David began questioning the people who were troubling him. He wondered about the length of time they were going to attempt to discredit him and ruin his reputation, and he asked them about their affection toward empty pursuits and lying. David did not compromise with or ameliorate the people against him, but rather called them out for their sinful behavior. God Almighty knew the true hearts and minds of David's enemies, and He alone was the best source for David to go to in his trouble. God loves everyone, and He will forgive the sins of every person who yields to His Son Jesus. He will free them from empty pursuits and lying vanities as they shall inherit eternal life with Him. When we face difficulties and troubles, let us pause and think about David's words, be reminded to call upon God, refrain from empty thoughts and resist all pursuits of lying.
Next time David says, “the LORD has set apart him that is godly for himself”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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