Daily Devotional
               Betty Miller shares her daily devotionals which are based on the book of Proverbs in the Bible.   

  The Wisdom of God

Verses for the Day:  

Proverbs 26:28 (KJV): A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

Proverbs 26:28 (AMP): A lying tongue hates those it wounds and crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Thoughts for the Day:

This verse from Proverbs tells us that behind a lying tongue is hatred, and flattery from someone like this will only work ruin. In today's world, lying has become a plague that is grieving the heart of God. It is not only rampant in society, but it has also spread among God's own people. Even God’s ministers are not immune and many of them are infected with it.

Lying, according to some people, is considered rather harmless. Reference is even made to telling little "white lies."  Supposedly, these kinds are O.K. These encompass speaking flattering words and compliments without really meaning them. Lying is now so commonplace that people are deceived into just accepting it as normal, instead of recognizing and resisting it. The practice of lying and dishonesty is now epidemic in our world. People lie and cheat on their income tax forms.  People cover their adulterous affairs with lies.  People lie about being ill in order to take off work. People lie when confronted with mistakes they have made, blaming others.  People lie in order to get a promotion or favor. People lie to in order to get out of jams.  People lie about others in order to get elected. The list could go on.

What does the Bible say about lying? A lying tongue is not only something God hates, it is also something that is an abomination to Him. It is one of the sins listed that God hates.

Proverbs 6:16-19 says, "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."

Evil lies that are used against people are told for the purpose of wounding and crushing others. This is why God hates it so, as it is designed to destroy people and their reputations. A wicked person who tells lies one minute to destroy others, will not hesitate to use flattery the next minute, if it will advance his own selfish cause. Whether it is a lie or flattery, the motive is wicked and the words are designed to ruin others. 

On the positive side, the Bible tells us that truth will end up prevailing over a lie. It is always better to tell the truth, as truth will ultimately endure over all lies. The Bible tells us that Jesus and His Word are truth. Therefore if I give my life to Christ and practice His Word, I will be able to walk in the truth and tell the truth.

Psalm 100:5: For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

John 14:6: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Lying is a sin that leads to other sins. In fact, when someone tells a lie, then they have to tell other lies to cover that lie.  Today's study tells us that when someone lies about another, they really hate them. The Bible tells us that hatred is really murder in someone's heart. We can see the progression - telling a lie, embracing hatred in one's heart, and then an actual murder can follow those two sins. This is why lying is so deadly.

1 John 3:14-16:
14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Prayer for the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father, I am grateful You are a God of truth.  Lord, establish my lips to always speak the truth and deliver me from any deceitfulness. Fill me daily with the Holy Spirit so that I am empowered to walk in love toward all my sisters and brothers in the Lord. May I always be gracious toward others, but deliver me from any false flattery.  I never want to be manipulative, but to always be honest and sincere in all my dealings with others.  You are the God of truth, so may I always embrace truth and resist every lie. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.