Psalm 52:3–4 (ESV)

3 You love evil more than good, and lying more than speaking what is right. Selah

Some commentators take these two verses as proof that the superscript cannot be correct. After all, Doeg did speak the truth about David’s visit to Ahimelech and receiving the provisions and sword of Goliath. Indeed, Doeg had given the facts. However, in Scripture, the word truth can also mean devotion or loyalty. We can find quite a few examples in the Bible of lying to benefit one’s neighbour, like the midwives lying to Pharaoh (Exodus 1:1–22). 1 Corinthians 13:7 says that love bears all things. Truth therefore means far more than simply corresponding to facts.

Doeg’s truth showed his hatred for David, Ahimelech, Abiathar, and all the other priests at Nob. According to the biblical criteria of truth, Doeg was a liar, although his account was true to fact.