Liars
Lying is detestable. We all do it. I do it. I have to say that it is the one thing, that if I engage in it, I feel small and shameful upon reflection. As such, I try very hard to not lie. I would rather be bold about my failings than lie to conceal them. As it happens, this approach has worked out well. People generally appreciate an honest failure and repel a dishonest charlatan.
I enjoy intimate conversations of deep honesty, without limitations due to scruples. It always goes well. These confidential moments of listening and disclosure, two-way discovery, are fertile moments of growth. This is why, for example, the sacrament of confession is so beautiful.
Why write about this now? Here?
Liars cause a great deal of trouble. Recently, I was victimized by a very sophisticated liar. I had to let it develop and see where the lie was rooting and spreading as the lie dripped out bit by bit. The recipients of the lie were changed. Those people began treating me differently. I believe that was the intent of the lie. I can’t blame the recipients for what they thought as a consequence of being inoculated with the lies. But I can lay blame with the liar. But since everyone lies, including me, I am required to show charity and proportionality to the liar. I did this by informing the liar of their lies in the environment where the lie was disclosed and gave the person who perpetrated the lie an opportunity to right the wrong of their own accord. That person has the difficult obligation to unwind the deception. That is the rub. Is that person in possession of sufficient character to do that? Time will tell. Curious about who it is? Taking this personal? Send me an email.
Link to Dr Jordan Peterson on lying.
Link to lying and its consequences.
Link to Saint Thomas Aquinas on lying Via Peter Kreeft
In the process of suffering the lie, I had the opportunity to self examine my own behaviour, but also to learn about lying. To that end, I came across a web site that catalogues every reference in the Bible that offers insight into lying. Below I have all of them. This not my work, but it is very well done so I lifted it with attributions to preserve the work and share it.
By Pastor David
In our walk with God, we are often reminded that lying has significant repercussions, not only for ourselves but also for those around us. By understanding the consequences of being deceitful, we can make conscious choices that reflect our values. When we think about the implications of deceit, it becomes clear that truthfulness nurtures trust and fosters healthy relationships. As we explore these verses, we are invited to reflect on how living truthfully can lead us away from destruction and into the arms of grace. The Bible teaches us that when we stand firm in honesty, we bring light into our lives and communities, creating an environment where love and truth reign supreme. It is through this commitment to truth that we honor God and those we encounter.
“The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” – Proverbs 12:22
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.” – Proverbs 19:5
“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters, and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” – Revelation 21:8
“The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death.” – Proverbs 21:6
“No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who speaks lies shall stand in my presence.” – Psalm 101:7
Understanding the nature of a liar is crucial in our pursuit of truth and integrity. The Bible not only warns us against lying but also helps us recognize the characteristics of those who choose falsehood over honesty. Recognizing these traits can help us safeguard our hearts and minds. We may find ourselves reflecting on our own behavior too, asking if we have allowed moments of untruth or insincerity to creep into our lives. As we navigate through these teachings, we must also remember that we have the capacity to choose honesty and align ourselves with God’s will. By embracing truth and taking a stand against deceitful practices, we harbinger change within ourselves and our communities.
“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” – John 8 F44
“Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.” – 1 John 2:4
“Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.” – 1 Timothy 4:2
“One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: ‘Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.'” – Titus 1:12
“In my alarm I said, ‘Everyone is a liar.'” – Psalm 116:11
Truth holds a vital place in our relationships, faith, and personal integrity. The Bible consistently emphasizes the need for truth in our dealings with one another and in our relationship with God. By valuing truth, we demonstrate our commitment to God’s principles, reflecting His character in our lives. We learn that God’s desire for us is to be anchored in truth, as it leads to genuine relationships filled with love and respect. As we immerse ourselves in these scripture verses, we have an opportunity to evaluate how dearly we hold truth in our lives and how it shapes our identity as followers of Christ. Embracing truth not only guides our actions but also aligns our hearts with God’s eternal truth.
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” – Ephesians 4:25
“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” – John 4:24
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” – Proverbs 3:3
“All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.” – Psalm 119:160
“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.” – Proverbs 12:19
When we reflect on God’s perspective toward lying, we discover the extent of His dislike for dishonesty. Lying doesn’t just strain human relationships; it breaks our connection with God. The Scriptures reveal that God cannot tolerate falsehood, and as His followers, we are called to embody His values by striving for truthfulness. As we delve deeper into these verses, we’re encouraged to align our hearts with God’s will, understanding the weight of our words. This realization can spur transformation in our lives, motivating us to reject lies, whether they’re big or small, and repent whenever we falter. In doing so, we honor God’s desires while reaping the blessings of living in truth.
“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.” – Proverbs 6:16-19
“You destroy those who tell lies. The bloodthirsty and deceitful you, Lord, detest.” – Psalms 5:6
“An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.” – Proverbs 14:5
“These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts.” – Zechariah 8:16
“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.” – Colossians 3:9
Lying can cause irreparable damage to relationships, whether they are familial, friendly, or romantic. The Bible reminds us of the importance of trust and honesty, emphasizing how deceit can erode these essential bonds. When we allow lies to fester, we create a wall of distrust, making it challenging for authentic connections to flourish. As we reflect on these verses, we uncover the responsibility we carry to cultivate relationships grounded in truth. We are encouraged to foster environments where honesty prevails, leading to deeper intimacy and understanding. Recognizing the power of our words, we can choose to nurture relationships that reflect God’s love and commitment to truth.
“Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.” – Proverbs 25:18
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” – Matthew 18:15
“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it.” – James 4:11
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29
“For whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.” – 1 Peter 3:10
For us, understanding the gravity of lying in the eyes of God provides insight into the values we should embrace. God’s perspective challenges us to evaluate not only our own actions but also the intentions behind them. Our willingness to acknowledge our failures is a beautiful step toward spiritual growth and redemption. Through this lens, we can hope to bring our imperfections before God and strive for truth in our daily interactions. As we read and meditate on the following verses, we can grasp how God views honesty, propelling us to seek a life characterized by His standards of truthfulness and love.
“I hate and detest falsehood but I love your law.” – Psalms 119:163
“One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper; one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.” – Proverbs 17:20
“Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.” – Psalm 51:6
“Friend deceives friend, and no one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they weary themselves with sinning.” – Jeremiah 9:5
“Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, would you use your lips to mislead?” – Proverbs 24:28
Repentance is a vital part of the Christian faith, particularly when it comes to our failings and transgressions. Lying may be a part of our past, but the good news is that redemption is always within reach through Christ’s love and mercy. The Bible encourages us to acknowledge our mistakes and turn away from them, thereby opening the door for healing and forgiveness. By sincerely repenting of our lies, we can rebuild our relationship with God and mend the connections that might have suffered due to dishonesty. As we carefully examine the verses that reflect on repentance, let us embrace the transformative power of grace, knowing that each step toward truth brings us closer to a life reflective of God’s heart and intentions.
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” – Acts 3:19
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13
“In the same way I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” – Luke 15:10
“Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.” – Isaiah 55:7
As believers, we have a responsibility to live in accordance with God’s will, which includes maintaining an atmosphere of honesty within our communities. By upholding truthfulness, we bear witness to God’s character and reveal the transformation that His love brings to our lives. When we commit to being honest with one another, we inspire others to live likewise, creating a ripple effect of integrity. In unity with fellow believers, we shine brightly in a world that often promotes the opposite. The following verses encourage us to foster a culture of truth as we support one another on our faith journeys. Together, we can build a stronger, more loving community grounded in respect and sincerity.
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1
“For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.” – 2 Corinthians 8:21
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
In summary, we must understand the significance of honesty in our lives as part of our Christian journey. The Bible teaches us that lying not only affects our relationship with others but also with God. Embracing truth and integrity allows us to reflect God’s character and build meaningful connections with those around us. As we strive to be truthful in our words and actions, we create an environment of trust and love that honors God.
Every verse we’ve explored reminds us of the blessings that come with honesty and the dangers lying can bring. Through repentance and a commitment to truth, we can continually align ourselves with God’s will, fostering relationships that uphold integrity and grace. Let us encourage one another to live openly and truthfully, for in doing so, we will walk in the light of God’s love together.
May we carry these lessons with us and remember the importance of honesty in every aspect of our lives, continually seeking God’s guidance and strength in our pursuit of truth.
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Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn made a strong connection between lying and the totalitarian state. His essay on lies, “Live Not by Lies” and here is an exerpt:
An essay from the Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn Center.
“ And thus, overcoming our timidity, let each man choose: Will he remain a witting servant of the lies (needless to say, not due to natural predisposition, but in order to provide a living for the family, to rear the children in the spirit of lies!), or has the time come for him to stand straight as an honest man, worthy of the respect of his children and contemporaries? And from that day onward he:
· Will not write, sign, nor publish in any way, a single line distorting, so far as he can see, the truth;
· Will not utter such a line in private or in public conversation, nor read it from a crib sheet, nor speak it in the role of educator, canvasser, teacher, actor;
· Will not in painting, sculpture, photograph, technology, or music depict, support, or broadcast a single false thought, a single distortion of the truth as he discerns it;
· Will not cite in writing or in speech a single “guiding” quote for gratification, insurance, for his success at work, unless he fully shares the cited thought and believes that it fits the context precisely;
· Will not be forced to a demonstration or a rally if it runs
counter to his desire and his will; will not take up and raise a
banner or slogan in which he does not fully believe;
·
Will not raise a hand in vote for a proposal which he does not
sincerely support; will not vote openly or in secret ballot for a
candidate whom he deems dubious or unworthy;
· Will not be impelled to a meeting where a forced and distorted discussion is expected to take place;
· Will at once walk out from a session, meeting, lecture, play, or film as soon as he hears the speaker utter a lie, ideological drivel, or shameless propaganda;
· Will not subscribe to, nor buy in retail, a newspaper or journal that distorts or hides the underlying facts.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of the possible and necessary ways of evading lies. But he who begins to cleanse himself will, with a cleansed eye, easily discern yet other opportunities.”