We continue reviewing the Royal Law from the perspective of how we communicate. Previously, we considered gossips and slanderers but today, we focus on liars and those who give false witness against others.
Proverbs 6:16-19 - There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.
For a long time, I wondered why the Lord took the time to distinguish between someone with a lying tongue (A.K.A. a liar) and a false witness who pours out lies and is therefore, also a liar. Fortunately, the Lord clarified the distinction. A liar tells untruths - big and small. However, a false witness is a type of liar whose words hold weight and can negatively impact someone else. Imagine, for instance, a witness lying against somebody in court. The consequence could be severe.
The fact God highlighted different types of liars should catch our attention. The Bible goes on to spotlight other types of liars and what becomes of them. Proverbs 19:5 - A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free. Lying was such a big deal, the Lord included it in the Ten Commandments. Deuteronomy 5:20 - You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. Further, He instructed in Leviticus 19:11 - “’Do not steal. “’Do not lie. “’Do not deceive one another. Notice that deception is also a form of lying to the Lord, though many consider it better than telling an outright lie. However, where there is deception, there is often a lie in waiting. Ananias and Sapphira were deceptive and said what they likely thought was a tiny lie. They each died on the spot (Acts 5:1-11).
On some level, most know that lying is wrong. However, many do not realize how intensely God hates the act. As a result, telling 'white' lies is thought to be inconsequential. Far too many craft large webs of untruths thinking the end justifies the means. And there are those skilled in deception who wield it as a weapon. In each of these cases, the liars sadly ignore God's word and thereby use their mouths and fingers to fall into the category of those God hates and has promised to destroy (Psalm 5:6).
As self-professing believers we must be aware of the need to be truthful as it gains us access to the Lord (Psalm 15:1-5). We must also treat others as we want to be treated. Ask yourself, did you ever enjoy being falsely accused? Did it make you happy to learn that an untruth was spreading about you? If any part of you can identify with those questions, then please think long and hard before sharing an untruth. Never give false witness against someone. And do all you can to not be deceptive. Sure, there are times when you can't share information even when a straightforward question was posed. In such cases, the solution is not to lie. Instead, rely on God for the wisdom to answer - or not answer - without deception and lies. This will require being intentional and prayerful to receive such grace in advance.
Unfortunately, all of us have told an untruth but praise the Lord, He offers us forgiveness when we sincerely repent. King David is an example of someone who was deceptive and lied in the way he killed Uriah (2 Samuel 11). Thankfully, he humbled himself before the Lord and was washed clean of his sins. You and I have an opportunity to do the same and receive God's mercy today. May our Heavenly Father forgive us and help us remain mindful of what He desires. May He teach us how to communicate in a manner that honors Him in obedience and express the love we receive from Him to others, IJMN, Amen.
Thank you, God. I pray over everyone reading this prayer that you would remove the veil over their eyes. Anything clouding their judgment and causing them to 'miss it' -- I command that veil to tear away (Ephesians 2:13-18; Mt 27:51) IJN so they see clearly concerning every situation. This is to Your glory IJMN amen.
Lord God, what You have not planted shall be uprooted.
Of course, please pardon us for choosing to open the door to evil things, through our own choices. But we submit our choice to You.
Please remove every thing that You have not planted and transform us more and more into Your image. Amen, in Jesus' name.
Kind God, I pray over all Your ministers and people who are allowing themselves to be used by You to serve others.
I stand in the gap for them now in Jesus' name and cover them and theirs in the blood of Jesus and the protective fire of God. Please remember them for their "labors of love" and reward them even while they are still on earth.
Thank You for being a loyal and faithful God and for always keeping to Your word. In Jesus' name, I submit this prayer to You, amen!
Faithful Daddy,
I submit to Your hands the medical cases of everyone who is sick now and needs prayers on their behalf. I lift up Your word that Jesus was bruised for our iniquities, the punishment for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.
Mighty King, though all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, Romans 3:24 says all"are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus". Because of Your great mercy that is present in His sacrifice, please accept Jesus' sacrifice and pardon their sins.
Let there be a positive transformation in their medical cases because of this. Let them and those who care for them have renewed hope and see their healing in Jesus name, amen.
Hmm Lord,
you are the God of deep revelation. Thank You for all the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding this week. Thank You for answering my desire this morning with a result just a few hours later.
Lord You know all things and I just want to say thank You for all the things You opened my eyes to this week.
Thank You even for this message, by Your grace I will communicate more honestly and openly with others, though with wisdom and shrewdness.
Praise reports from this week:
- renewed war zeal
- lots of revelation
- Friday pizza dinner
- a well-timed booking from a repeat client -- I was just reviewing my budget this morning and sorting out money matters. I realized I needed a little bit more to make a certain payment. Then about 3 hours later, I got a text from a client, securing a booking that will get me the extra funds I needed.
- sunsets are getting later again, so I have a bit more time in the day. it's like the verse that says our path gets "brighter and brighter unto the coming dawn"
- yesterday me and X went to volunteering later than usual because we were all busy with errands earlier in the day. Though there were only 3 other volunteers left in the building, they reported that they were glad we came and that we came at just the right time. Even though we only had about 15 minutes left, we worked well together and achieved great success by closing time.