King James Version
Psalm 120
Launching the Songs of Ascents sequence (Psalms 120 to 134) in Book V, this pilgrim psalm expresses the discomfort of living among hostile and deceitful people. The traveler laments dwelling in distant lands like Meshech and Kedar, where neighbors favor war while the speaker seeks peace. In distress, the speaker prays for deliverance from deceptive tongues and slanderous speech, recognizing the psychological toll of deceptive environments. This opening song sets the journey's starting point in a troubled world as pilgrims begin their journey toward Jerusalem. A key verse records the central prayer for honesty: 'Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.'
1 In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.
2 Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.
3 What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?
4 Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.
5 Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!
6 My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.
7 I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.
GO DEEPER
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