Lying Lips

God’s attitude toward lying is made very clear in the words of Proverbs 12:22, saying, “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.” For this reason, we are admonished in the New Testament, Colossians 3:9, “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;” Indeed, concerning those who will be condemned, Revelation 21:8 says, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” As well, of Heaven, Revelation 21:27 tells us, “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.”

There is no way, then, that lying can be reconciled to be any less than the terrible, condemning sin it is – and, no doubt, most see it to be such, in most cases. Even the worldly person doesn’t want to be lied to – seeing it as reprehensible. Most of us are hurt, disappointed, angered, saddened, or disgusted when someone tells us a lie. We feel betrayed, our intelligence insulted – and it’s very difficult for us to trust the liar ever again.

Of course, nothing good ever comes from lying. We see that in the multitudes of lost souls who are the victims of false doctrines, lying wonders and such which the ministers of Satan use to deceive. We see it in our own personal relationships, where a lie told leads to others, and to hurt and mistrust when the truth finally comes out. It’s worse than a “slap to the face”, for a friend or loved one to not be honest with us.

Lying is a terrible sin, no question about it – as most agree – “in most cases” (once again). In most cases, because even some Christians have a tendency to “make exceptions”. When they feel a lie is better than the truth – or a “half-truth” is more acceptable at the time – or when they are trying to justify themselves, or some such “condition”, they feel they can get by with it. However, lying is lying – and condemning – NO MATTER WHAT!

Can there be any justification (especially) for lying to, or about, a brother or sister in Christ? How can one justify lying about a congregation of the Lord’s people, implying “unsoundness”, error, or whatever, when there is none? Is anger an excuse? Is feeling mistreated? Is revenge an acceptable reason (to God)? The sad fact is, that it’s all too common to hear brethren lying or repeating lies under the guise of “standing for the Truth”, and when called to task for it, will not admit to what they’ve done. Whether from selfish pride, or even “good intentions”, they will not even admit that they misunderstood (much less that they deliberately “convoluted the truth”).

No matter their reputation, can lying Christians go to Heaven (impenitent of their sin)? God hates ALL lying – and permits no excuses for it. In our time brethren need to be much more careful about what they tell, and what they repeat. Personal reputation on earth is not nearly so important as the way God sees us – and the damage of a lying tongue.

Gene Samford

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