Over the last few years our airwaves have been inundated with stories about court cases involving politicians, elected officials, hedge fund managers, reporters, and even some church leaders who have been caught red-handed telling a lie – many for whom innocent victims paid a heavy financial cost because of the lies. Some are now either facing jail sentences or are incarcerated because of their lies.
We also know that some have used “lies” [that is, fabricated stories] to either promote themselves to a higher standing, or in some cases to deflect their own guilt to someone else, and/or some of the lies were told because of greed. When lies are exposed [for what they truly are – untruth], the very moral character and integrity of an individual must be called into question – especially if their rise in stature has been postulated upon their lies.
As Christians, we are instructed to turn away from lying – and to be a people of truth. Note the following passages of Scripture dealing with lying and deceitful words.
Proverbs 6:16-19,
“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
Psalms 52:1-5,
“Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually. Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah. Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue. God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.”
Proverbs 26:28,
“A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.”
Now, let’s contrast the previous passages of Scripture with an admonition to tell the truth in righteousness.
Ephesians 4:24-25 states,
“And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.”
Proverbs 12:19,
“The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.”
Proverbs 13:5,
“A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.”
Proverbs 3:3,
“Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart.”
Proverbs 12:17,
“He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.”
Proverbs 12:19,
“The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.”
Telling the truth is what the Lord expects from us. Telling a lie will ultimately benefit no one – but often leaves a trail of pain and suffering. The apostle Paul made the following statement in Romans 9:1,
“I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost.”
One thing to note from this verse is that Paul’s conscience, which is the monitor of the soul, was in pure harmony with the Holy Spirit – because of his preaching the truth concerning Jesus Christ. If he had changed the gospel message of Jesus Christ in any manner – he could only have done so by telling lies. People need to hear the truth concerning Christ. Consider, though, that if we do not tell the truth in the other areas of our lives – who will believe our message concerning Christ?
Let us be reminded of Galatians 6:7,
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
Let us learn to tell the truth and to let our “yea” be “yea” and our “nay” be “nay”.
