It is hard for me to say whose poetry I more enjoy, David’s or that of his son, Solomon. Both were masters of expressing sinners’ wiles and human craftiness. Listen to David in Psalm 55 where he warns about those who speak smoothly but inwardly are ravenous wolves:

My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; he violated his covenant. His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords (Psalm 55:20-21 ESV).

In other words, watch people’s actions; don’t be duped by words that are “smooth as butter.” This is the textbook characteristic of a politician, whether he be in sales, government, or church. The principle applies across the board.

Now listen to David’s son, Solomon:

3 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

² a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
³ a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
⁴ a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
⁵ a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
⁶ a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
⁷ a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
⁸ a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 ESV).

Timing is so important to notice. One might say it is crucial.

Do we have discernment to cut through smooth-as-butter words to see the vulpine war that is being smuggled in?

To be cliche, do we follow the money? Do we follow the evidence or just listen to smooth words? We are told up front that there are many among us whose god is their belly (Philippians 3:19). Are pastors shepherding the true sheep or simply building their own barns of comfort? Watch them. May God equip a discerning people, for there is, to reference Solomonic poetry again, “a time to love, and a time to hate.”