Thursday: Be Truthful
A king needed to appoint a new minister for the highest office of his kingdom. For this purpose, he organized a special contest on lying: who could utter the biggest lie. All his ministers applied, and each one came and spoke their biggest lie. But the king was not satisfied; their lies seemed lame. The king then asked his closest and most trusted counselor: Why didn’t you apply?
Image © Krieg Barrie from GoodSalt.com
The counselor answered, I am sorry to disappoint you, Majesty, but I cannot apply.
Why not?
asked the king. Because I never lie,
the counselor replied.
The king decided to appoint him for the position.
As sinners, lying comes to us easier than we think; for this reason, again, how careful we need to be with our words.
Read Proverbs 19:1-29. Though many themes are presented there, what does it say about lying?
The book of Proverbs upholds a high ethical standard. It is better to remain poor, or even to lose a promotion, if we have to lie in order to get it, if we have to sacrifice our integrity (Prov. 19:1), if we have to cheat, or if it comes at the price of faithfulness (Prov. 19:22).
Read Proverbs 19:9. What is the responsibility of a witness?
Lying, in and of itself, is bad enough; but doing it in court and under oath is even worse. In many countries perjury is a crime, and a serious one at that. The witness must therefore give a truthful testimony. It is no accident that this verse follows the mention of a friend to one who gives gifts
(Prov. 19:6, NKJV), and of the poor who are hated by their friends and even their brothers (Prov. 19:7, NKJV). The point is, witnesses must not be influenced by bribes or by the social status of those they are testifying about.
Read Deuteronomy 24:10–22. What important principle is seen here, and how should we apply this to ourselves and to our dealings with those who are needy?
(21)
One may think himself truthful because he does not lie out rightly. Yet repeating what is factual with intent to deceive is a transgression of the eight commandment. Through even a look one may make himself deceptive. By the subconscious influence of what we watch on television or practice in jest or sport we may act deceptively without consciously willing it, and think nothing of it.
Those may think themselves perfect who set a low standard for perfection; a bar so low they may easily surmount it in their own strength. Those who fervently believe in the notion of a pure church NOW are especially at risk to fall into such state.
It is certainly possible to be perfect (Jude 24) as Jesus is perfect (Matthew 5:48), and there is good reason to believe some will be very close to the Second Coming.
However these who may expect to be translated will not consider themselves perfect at any stage of their journey. They dare not harbor such thoughts. Rather their sense of unworthiness is only overcome by their deep appreciation for what the Savior has done for them. They will ever be searching their own heart (not that of others), and seeking for the Holy Spirit to make them more like their Redeemer (Psalm 139:23).
In the end it will be breaking news to them that they attained perfection (Matthew 25:37).
It is a blessing to be surrounded by truthful people. Sometimes the truth can be painful, so we must be careful how we give it; for example, when it is necessary to let a friend know that their clothes are fitting a bit tight lately, or tell an employee that this job does not seem to fit their personality.
Prov 19:
5A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
9A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
22The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.
Rev 21:8
Liars, among others, will not escape but perish ie have their part in lake which burns with fire ie punishment of total destruction
"Will not escape" - they will be punished for the act of lying whether or not they go unnoticed by fellow humans. God who sees all, says liars will not escape, they will perish.
We can be "unnoticed" by fellow humans
- indirectly wen in narrating incidences we let in some inaccuracies which go unnoticed
- or directly by simply denying a fact
The issue is more that God calls us to love Him and desire to portray His character than fear of punishment. It must be our nature to be truthful.
Where we've failed Him, there's still room at the cross.
I thank God for His word and this new technology because I am able to hear from my brothers and sisters in this blog. I really appreciate the feedback from everyone. It's tough love in that comments are made that identify and correct my errors so that I can grow in Christ. I am so thankful for our Sabbath school lesson study that we share together. Each week. Thanks for allowing God to us you to encourage and uplift believers in Christ. God bless!
"Lying lips (even little white lies) are an abomination to the Lord, but they that deal truly are His delight". Which of us has not found ourselves guilty as charged of lying even under oath, and have made every excuse for doing so? Let's endeavor to strive for perfection at all times asking the Holy Spirit to help us to overcome this disease.
I agree Regina, I so appreciate the comments and I am so grateful and thankful to God for these daily lessons.