Pearls of the Word

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I hate the half-hearted

by Jean-Louis Coraboeuf

"I hate the half-hearted [סעף], but I love Your law" (Psalm 119:113 Interlinear).

The Hebrew word סעף is found in the following verses, "How long will you falter between two opinions [סעף]" (Kings 18:21) and "In disquieting thoughts [סעף] from the visions of the night when deep sleep falls on men" (Job 4:13). There is a commonality between the three verses above: division of thoughts or ambivalence (simultaneous existence of two opposite feelings).

The Psalmist hates men with double thinking, but he loves the Torah because it gives him the unwavering mind of God. The Word of God is then a protection for him (Psalm 119:114). In James 4:8, the Apostle called these men 'double-minded' (KJV), 'double in soul' (WYC), 'two-souled' (YLT).