Psalm 120

A song of ascents.

1 I call on the LORD in my distress,
and he answers me.

2 Save me, O LORD, from lying lips
and from deceitful tongues.

3 What will he do to you,
and what more besides, O deceitful tongue?

4 He will punish you with a warrior's sharp arrows,
with burning coals of the broom tree.

5 Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech,
that I live among the tents of Kedar!

6 Too long have I lived
among those who hate peace.

7 I am a man of peace;
but when I speak, they are for war.

The psalmist was obviously crying out to the Lord to punish the wicked around him. They have slandered him with words (v2). He spoke with confidence that the Lord will surely answer his prayer (v4).

Many of us have felt betrayed and accused before. But how many of us would turn to God when that happens? I too have taken matters in my own hands before and hit back using my own strength - sinning in my anger.

No, I think as Christians, we should pray and surrender every accusation to the Lord.

Hence, each of us is to be called a Man of Peace (v7), even though we dwell in a fallen world. We have to make peace with those who slander us. We have to make peace with those who accuse us. We have to make peace with those who are not lovable. We have to make peace with .. basically, everyone.

It's only possible by God's grace. We need Him.


Upon reflection, I really have trouble being a man of peace in my school, especially in the classrooms. I tend to hit back (sometimes quite angrily) with comments against students. O Lord, help me to be a man of peace who can bring peace into the class!


Things to ponder
1. How's your relationship with people in school or workplace generally? Rate from 1 to 10 (very good).
2. What are some incidents in your school or workplace that can cause you to lose your cool?
3. Pray and ask God to make you a man of peace - someone who brings peace to the people around you.