Stop Lying
A stand-up comic told his audience, "I wanted to go into politics, but I had this bad habit of telling the truth."
Dishonesty has become so commonplace in politics, in business, and in the world in general that it seems downright normal. But people know instinctively that they should tell the truth. We certainly expect it from others, knowing that the world can't function if no one is trustworthy.
The Bible takes lying so seriously that one of the Ten Commandments forbids it:
"Do not testify falsely against your neighbor." Exodus 20:16
Many other scriptures in the Bible address lying also:
The LORD hates cheating, but he delights in honesty. Proverbs 11:1
Truth stands the test of time; lies are soon exposed. Proverbs 12:19
Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow. Proverbs 25:18
Though everyone else in the world is a liar, God is true. Romans 3:4
Do not testify spitefully against innocent neighbors; don't lie about them. And don't say, "Now I can pay them back for all their meanness to me! I'll get even!" Proverbs 24:28
People with integrity have firm footing, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall. Proverbs 10:9
The godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off. Proverbs 10:31
Don't lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old evil nature and all its wicked deeds. Colossians 3:9
The Book of God's Promises -- Copyright, 1999 by J. Stephen Lang. All rights reserved, used with permission.
