Integrity of Life

“O LORD my God, if I have done this
and there is guilt on my hands—
If I have done evil to him who is at
peace with me or without cause have
robbed my foe—
then let my enemy pursue and overtake me;
let him trample my life to the ground
and make me sleep in the dust.”

Psalm 7:3-5

There is the psalmist’s response to the accuser. It is simple humility. There is no defense or excuse, no explanation or privilege.

There is an undertone of indignation revealed in the hyperbole. What could he have done to merit such consequences?

There is a tacit belief that justice is for all; no one is above the law.

There is no “spin,” no “double-speak” to attempt to cover or side-step the issue.

But look, there is no contrition either. The “if” acknowledges possibility, but not guilt. The psalmist isn’t saying, “I did this.” rather, it seems as though by putting his life further out for closer scrutiny, he believes he will be seen clearly as innocent.

Anyone can be guilty of something. But this is the confident response of an honest life of integrity.