“A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.” Proverbs 26:28
Devotional Thought For The Day
We tend to think of lying as a somewhat harmless crime. We think that since everyone experiences things differently, has different ideas, and interprets events from a unique subjective perspective, that no one will suspect that we are lying or will be able to “prove” that we have intentionally misled anyone. And I suppose that there are many occasions where arguments and disagreements stem from differing perspectives and perceptions. Often sales people have to get into this kind of “zone” in their thinking to be able to effectively sell their product to others. When seeking to manipulate others with untruths or half-truths, we often have to think carefully how best to make our case to influence others to our side, so that we can get our way. Often the issue matters little and there is relatively little harm that ensues. However, there are times when a great deal is at risk and much is lost through such “harmless” deceptions. This is especially the case in theology and religion, and also in our most cherished relationships.
Of greater concern is the condition of one’s heart when we lie. The proverb asserts that “a lying tongue hates its victims.” Regardless of the consequential damage to the victims of deception, there is a more hurtful reality – that the one doing the lying actually “hates” his victims. Whether the deception is perceived and recognized or not, the one perpetrating the deception engages in hateful behavior against his “victim” – intentionally destroying the substance of their relationship, the ability to communicate and share truth, what is real, with one another. That this destruction of relationship should be hidden and one-sided only adds to the wickedness of the one engaging in the lying. The sense of betrayal, when the one prevaricating is discovered, is intensely hurtful. The longer the intentional miscommunication has gone on the deeper the wounds, the betrayal of trust.
It is the same with “flattery” – falsely misleading another with praise and expression of support that builds false confidence and security in others. When the other person is convinced that he is capable and able to succeed and prevail, that he will have support, and he then steps out in risk to attempt some difficult task – only to discover that he has neither the ability, nor the resources, nor the support to succeed, the venture is sure to end in ruin. The failure is doubly bitter – not only that one didn’t succeed but the realization that another “tricked” him into a foolish and egotistical effort that never had a chance at success, resulting in great personal embarrassment and shame. This is why many people never risk anything – even small ambitions, because they have been crushed in the past by an over-estimation of their capabilities, often encouraged by foolish supporters or flatterers. The pain, the damage, and the loss is real and consequential – and ruin is not too strong a word to describe it. Obviously, to intentionally manipulate such an outcome through flattery is abominably hateful.
Back to “little” lies. Even these lies betray a darkness of heart, with which we can grow accustomed and accepting. But the reality remains – hate is at the heart of all lying, and healing comes only in admitting this and repenting of it rather than lying to ourselves [and God]. Rather, the healing comes in the assurance of God’s gracious mercy and forgiveness – for all the darkness and sin that deeply permeates our heart and being. We don’t expect such forgiveness from any other human being – but God is different, and if we can come to understand and believe His forgiveness and love there may be some hope for us, for us to grow in honesty, truthfulness, and real love. And perhaps at some point, with some people, there may be hope that we can be honest and authentic in our relationships and communications. This is what real and genuine Christian fellowship is all about – if we could ever get past the legalism, self-righteousness, and hypocrisy. For the promise of God stands sure and real: “If we walk in the light as He is in the light we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” [1 John 1:7] God grant such blessedness to us all.
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, our sin and our lying can become like a fog in our minds so that we can scarcely distinguish what is real from the falsehoods we have fabricated. This is a deep, malicious, and hateful condition. Only Your light, the light of Your love, Your redemption and salvation, can salvage us from this darkness. Grant us true repentance, and the deep assurance and security of Your forgiveness and love, that we might be saved from sin and renewed in goodness and decency. Grant us courage then for honesty, that our yes be yes and our no be no – without deception or distortion. Thank You for Your truthfulness, and the clarity of Your Word, that recalls us from sin and back to Yourself. Amen.