Psalms 52:3
Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.
Original Language Analysis
מִטּ֑וֹב
more than good
H2896
מִטּ֑וֹב
more than good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
3 of 7
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
שֶׁ֓קֶר׀
and lying
H8267
שֶׁ֓קֶר׀
and lying
Strong's:
H8267
Word #:
4 of 7
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
מִדַּבֵּ֖ר
rather than to speak
H1696
מִדַּבֵּ֖ר
rather than to speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
5 of 7
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
Cross References
Revelation 22:15For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.2 Timothy 3:4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;Jeremiah 9:8Their tongue is as an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: one speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait.Romans 1:25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.John 8:44Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.Micah 3:2Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones;
Historical Context
Doeg's betrayal wasn't a momentary lapse but revealed his character. He actively chose to report information that would harm David and the priests, preferring Saul's favor over truth.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to 'love' evil rather than just commit it occasionally?
- How can we discern when lying has become a preferred pattern?
Analysis & Commentary
The perverse values: 'Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness.' The comparison is not between evil and good alone but reveals active preference--'loving' evil, 'choosing' lies. This is not accidental sin but chosen orientation, character rather than incident.