Psalm...

A. The character of the betrayer (20-21)

1. This companion of David’s has violated a covenant of friendship that exists between two people. Notice that David points out that the violation of the covenant was from the words that were said. In verse 21 David says the covenant was violated “with speech smoother than butter, but with a heart set on war; with words that were softer than oil, but in fact were drawn swords.”
2. David points out that this person’s words seemed to be flattering. The words of this person seemed to be righteous and innocent. But they really were not. The speech is as smooth as butter but the heart was intent on war. The words seemed to be as soft as oil but behind the words were drawn sword ready to wound.
3. It is imperative that we realize the damage that the tongue can cause. Remember the words of James, “ And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell ” (James 3:6; NASU). We can sever our relationship with God because of our tongues. Are we so naïve to think that our words cannot destroy friendships? While we may forgive the person for their error, the tongue can alter a relationship and completely end a relationship. There is only so long that a person can be under fire from someone’s tongue before they will not be able to be in fellowship with that person. I believe this is exactly what David is describing concerning his companion. Years may go by the pain may not dissipate.