Of all the sins common to mankind one of the most widespread is the LIE. Paradoxically, many people consider lying to be the least of all sins, thus they make negligible efforts to avoid telling lies. Some folks even claim that lying is sometimes justified. Is this assertion true? Below are five scriptures that prove that lying is not only sinful; it is more serious than many are led to believe.
“These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a LYING tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, a FALSE witness who speaks LIES, And one who sows discord among brethren.” (Prov. 6:16-19) Notice that LYING is mentioned TWICE in reference to the sins despised by God.
Acts 5:1-10 relates the story of a Christian couple that told what some might describe as a “white” lie concerning a contribution to the church. The apostle Peter, however, confronted them with their deception. “…why has Satan filled your heart to LIE to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land…” (Vs. 3). As a consequence of a "harmless" lie, they died and were buried that day.
Describing the the devil, Jesus said, "He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a LIE, he speaks from his own resources, for HE IS A LIAR and the father of it” (John 8:44b). Thus every lie proceeds from the deplorable “father of lies”.
“Do NOT LIE to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds…” (Col. 3:9). Lying should be “put off”, which means to abandon. The “old man” refers to the former life of sin.
“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all LIARS shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Rev. 21:8). Need God say more?
According to God, there is no such thing as a “justifiable” or “white” lie. So “be careful little tongue what you say!”
Jesus. Always Jesus!
Dennis