Ten Conversations: How To Hold To The Truth
You must not have any other god but Me
You must not make for yourself an idol
You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God
Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy
Honor your father and mother
You must not murder
You must not commit adultery
You must not steal
You must not lie
You must not covet
Deuteronomy 5:33 (NLT) Stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives…
Exodus 20:16 (AMP) You shall not testify falsely [that is, lie, withhold, or manipulate the truth] against your neighbor [or] (any person).
A lie is simply making an untrue statement with the intent to deceive.
Why do we lie?
Pride
Bitterness
Fear
The Bible warns us against three types of false testimonies:
1. Gossip
“Gossip is when you hear something you like about someone you don’t.” —Earl Wilson
Proverbs 11:13 (NLT) A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.
2. Slander
Slander is an attempt to discredit and ruin a person’s reputation.
Proverbs 10:18 (NIV) Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.
3. Flattery
“Flattery is praise without honesty.” —C.S. Lewis
Psalm 12:2-3 (NLT) Neighbors lie to each other, speaking with flattering lips and deceitful hearts. May the Lord cut off their flattering lips and silence their boastful tongues.
Romans 16:18 (NIV) For such people are not serving our Lord, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.
1. Be committed to the truth
John 8:31-32 (NLT) “You are truly My disciples if you remain faithful to My teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
2. Think before you speak
James 1:19 (NLT) Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, [and] slow to speak…
T — is it true?
H — will it help?
I — is it inspiring?
N — is it necessary?
K — is it kind?
Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
3. Stay true to your word
Psalm 15:4 (NLT) keep your promises even when it hurts.
1. Remember the cost of lying
Proverbs 19:9 (NIV) A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.
2. Remember, God honors the truth because the truth honors God
Proverbs 12:22 (NLT) The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in those who tell the truth.
3. Remember who you belong to
John 8:42-47 (NLT) “If God were your Father, you would love Me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on My own, but He sent Me. 43 Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t even hear Me! 44 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe Me! 46 Which of you can truthfully accuse Me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don’t you believe Me? 47 Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.”
Psalm 86:11 (NLT) Teach me Your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to Your truth. Grant me purity of heart so that I may honor You.