“With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself unsavoury.”
This verse is part of a song of thanksgiving that David composed after the Lord delivered him from the hands of all his enemies, including Saul. It is found in 2 Samuel 22, which is often referred to as David’s song of deliverance. In this particular verse, David expresses a truth about God’s character and how He interacts with people. Let’s break it down:
“With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure”: This phrase highlights the principle that God responds to people according to their character and intentions. When someone approaches God with a pure heart, seeking righteousness and walking in obedience to His commands, God reveals Himself to them in a pure and righteous manner. It implies that God’s nature and character remain consistent, and He responds favorably to those who are genuinely seeking Him.
“And with the froward thou wilt shew thyself unsavoury”: The term “froward” refers to those who are perverse, crooked, or rebellious. This verse indicates that God responds differently to those who have wicked intentions or who persist in disobedience. To the froward, God reveals Himself in a way that is unsavory or adverse. It suggests that God’s response mirrors the attitude and actions of those who reject His ways.
God is just: He responds in a manner that is consistent with the character and intentions of individuals. Those who approach Him with purity of heart and seek righteousness will experience His favor and goodness.
Our heart matters: God looks beyond external appearances and actions; He examines our hearts. A genuine desire for righteousness and obedience is pleasing to Him. It is essential for us to cultivate a pure heart and strive to align our intentions with God’s will.
God’s response is a reflection of our choices: The verse indicates that God’s response is not arbitrary or unjust. He responds accordingly to the choices and actions of individuals. Our behavior and attitudes have consequences, and we reap what we sow.
God’s nature is unchanging: This verse reveals that God’s character remains consistent. Whether He responds favorably or unsavorily, it is in harmony with His nature and the choices of individuals.
In summary, 2 Samuel 22:27 reminds us of God’s justice and the importance of cultivating a pure heart. It teaches us that our choices and intentions matter, and God responds accordingly. Let us strive to approach God with a genuine desire for righteousness, seeking to align our lives with His will, so that we may experience His favour and blessings.
