September 26, 2008

Today's Reading - Proverbs 26
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Following Scripture Verses

1. As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
2. As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.
3. A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.
4. Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
5. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
6. He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.
7. The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
8. As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.
9. As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
10. The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.
11. As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
12. Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
13. The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.
14. As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.
15. The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
16. The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
17. He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
18. As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
19. So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
20. Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
21. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
23. Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
24. He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;
25. When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
26. Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.
27. Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
28. A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

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"A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it;" - Proverbs 26:28

One of the characteristics of the book of Proverbs is that Solomon takes something that most men consider insignificant and reveals the heart attitude behind it. In the first half of today's verse he shows the true motivation behind lying.

Telling lies is, unfortunately, very commonplace today. It is an easy sin to commit because it is done with the mouth, and James tells us that the tongue is very difficult to control (James 3). We know that God hates it (Prov. 6:17), and that all liars have their part in the Lake of Fire (Rev. 21:8). We normally think that lying is motivated by selfishness; that a man deceives because he either wants dishonest gain, or he wants to not suffer the consequences of his previous actions. However, Solomon informs us here that lying is also based upon hatred.

Lying has an impact on those who are both deceived and slandered by it. Those who have been deceived may make decisions, based upon this false information, that will have a negative impact on them, sometimes for a long period of time. Those who are slandered must deal with the repercussions that come from family, friends, and associates who have heard the gossip and assume it to be true. Thus, it becomes obvious that when someone tells a lie he does hate those who are impacted by it. His false witness is certainly not based upon love for God or for the brethren, so what other emotion can he have?

The next time you are tempted to tell a lie, take a moment to think about all those who will be affected by your statements. Do you love them enough to tell the truth, or do you hate them enough to continue the deceit?

Pastor Mark J Montgomery