Scripture teaches just how powerful our tongues are. Our tongues can speak words capable of giving life or bringing death and destruction. Our tongues have the power to speak the truth and tell lies that are destructive. As Christ followers, our calling is to use our words to speak the truth, even if the world around us does not.
While the world teaches that lies are not that big of a deal, especially the “little white lie,” Scripture teaches something different. Paul instructs Christ followers to speak truthful words in Ephesians 4. In this passage of Scripture, Paul reminds readers that followers of Christ are given a new nature, and they are now living for Christ instead of the world. Because we are living for Christ, Paul commands us, “Stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth” (verse 25). Instead of speaking deceitful words, we must stop telling lies and, instead, speak the truth. God calls us to be people of integrity who speak the truth.
Proverbs 12 shows us just how God feels about lies. The writer of this Proverb says, "The Lord detests lying lips" (verse 22). God is highly displeased by lies. Lying words grieve Him. The writer of this Proverb continues, “but He delights in those who tell the truth” (verse 22). When we speak truthful words and demonstrate integrity by the truthful words we say, we delight our Heavenly Father. He is pleased by us when we tell the truth.
Telling the truth is not always easy, but it is always the right step. We may think that our lies go unnoticed, but God sees them. He also sees the truthful words we choose to speak. He knows every lie we tell and every truthful word we speak. May we delight our Heavenly Father by committing to be people of integrity who speak the truth.
Take a moment to examine your life. Has there been any area of your life where you have been untruthful? Maybe you have not spoken the truth about a loved one's sinful behavior for fear of how they might respond. Maybe you have not spoken the truth about sins in your own life that need to be brought to light. In whatever way necessary, choose today to use your words to speak the truth.
1To learn, you must love discipline;
it is stupid to hate correction.
2 The Lord approves of those who are good,
but he condemns those who plan wickedness.
3 Wickedness never brings stability,
but the godly have deep roots.
4 A worthy wife is a crown for her husband,
but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.
5 The plans of the godly are just;
the advice of the wicked is treacherous.
6 The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush,
but the words of the godly save lives.
7 The wicked die and disappear,
but the family of the godly stands firm.
8 A sensible person wins admiration,
but a warped mind is despised.
9 Better to be an ordinary person with a servant
than to be self-important but have no food.
10 The godly care for their animals,
but the wicked are always cruel.
11 A hard worker has plenty of food,
but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.
12 Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot,
but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit.
13 The wicked are trapped by their own words,
but the godly escape such trouble.
14 Wise words bring many benefits,
and hard work brings rewards.
15 Fools think their own way is right,
but the wise listen to others.
16 A fool is quick-tempered,
but a wise person stays calm when insulted.
17 An honest witness tells the truth;
a false witness tells lies.
18 Some people make cutting remarks,
but the words of the wise bring healing.
19 Truthful words stand the test of time,
but lies are soon exposed.
20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil;
joy fills hearts that are planning peace!
21 No harm comes to the godly,
but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
22 The Lord detests lying lips,
but he delights in those who tell the truth.
23 The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge,
but fools broadcast their foolishness.
24 Work hard and become a leader;
be lazy and become a slave.
25 Worry weighs a person down;
an encouraging word cheers a person up.
26 The godly give good advice to their friends;
the wicked lead them astray.
27 Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch,
but the diligent make use of everything they find.
28 The way of the godly leads to life;
that path does not lead to death.
