Psalm 51:6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

Psalm 51 is very rightly famous, because it is David’s response after Nathan confronted him over what he had done in relation to Bathsheba and her husband. (2 Samuel 11, 12) Considering the usual royal literature of the day, it is unprecedented that the incident is recorded at all, so much so that it is a strong confirmation that the Bible is a book God caused to be written, rather than merely human fare. In those days, kings had the authority to do anything they want­ed, but that of course didn’t mean it was right. It took great courage for Nathan to confront David, but he knew the man he worked for, and his judgment was born out by David’s response. The thing is, David had a personal relationship with God. Obviously he strayed badly from that relationship in this instance, but he came back to it. David knew that any interaction with God had to be based on truth, as he says here. Platitudes wouldn’t cut it. He also knew that he was devious, if left to himself. Therefore, in his repentance, he asked God to teach him what he needed to know. (The NIV says “you teach me,” but the Japanese makes it a request.) If we are to be people after God’s heart, as David was, we too need to acknowledge that we can’t do it right on our own, we’ve got to have God’s help, and we can’t get that by putting on any kind of false front.

I am as tempted to hide my failures as anyone, but God has graciously called me to account time and time again. God already knows everything about me, but I must choose to be transparent, not trying to hide anything but being quick to repent. That’s not to say that I’m to “let it all hang out” with everyone around me, because that would not be beneficial. However, I am never to pretend sinless perfection, but rather acknowledge that I am as in need of the grace of God as anyone. I must constantly be open to God’s instruction, letting Him teach me what I need to know about myself, about Him, and about anything else that’s necessary.

Father, thank You for instilling the principle of absolute honesty in me. That’s something to be grateful for, rather than proud of. Help me be an open channel for Your truth at all times, but always speak it in love as You direct, rather than spouting it off just because I know it. May I lead many out of the lying traps of the enemy, so that together we may walk in Your truth for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!