Psalms 119:163
I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.
Psalms 119:163 (KJV)
Context
Psalm 119 is an acrostic poem that celebrates the excellence of God’s Word. In this verse, the psalmist declares a strong twofold feeling: hatred for lying and love for God’s law. The Hebrew text uses two different verbs for hatred, “hate” and “abhor,” to show complete disgust toward falsehood. The word “law” (torah) includes all of God’s commandments, statutes, and precepts, which the psalmist treasures as the source of truth and righteousness.
Meaning
The contrast in this verse is deliberate. The psalmist does not simply dislike lying; he abhors it. At the same time, his love for God’s law is deep and personal. This pairing shows that love for God’s truth naturally produces hatred for what opposes it. Deception, dishonesty, and hypocrisy all stand against the character of God, who is truth and cannot lie. Therefore, the psalmist’s feelings are not merely personal preferences but align with God’s own nature.
Biblical connections
This verse connects with the broader teaching of Scripture that God is truth (John 14:6) and that He cannot lie (Titus 1:2). Because God’s law reflects His truth, loving it means rejecting every form of falsehood. The psalmist’s example challenges believers to see that genuine devotion to God’s Word reshapes their affections, making them hate what God hates and love what He loves.
Application
Believers today can examine their own hearts. Do we truly hate lying, or do we sometimes excuse small deceptions? Do we love God’s law enough to let it guide our words and actions? Cultivating a love for Scripture helps us discern truth from falsehood and live with integrity. This love guards us against the deceitfulness of sin and the world.
Reflection
The psalmist’s words invite us to consider what we treasure most. When we love God’s law, our hatred for lying becomes practical, not just emotional. We begin to speak truthfully, act honestly, and reject self-deception. This verse calls us to a life where love for God’s Word shapes every part of our character, making us people of truth in a world of falsehood.
