Understanding Why Honesty Matters
When it comes to the topic of lying, the Bible is pretty clear: lying is not just a bad habit, it’s a serious problem in God’s eyes. Let’s break down what this really means in everyday language.
Lying Is a Sin
The Bible plainly says that lying is wrong. In fact, it’s one of the Ten Commandments—specifically, “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16). This basically means, don’t tell lies about others or spread false information.
God Hates Lying
According to Proverbs 6:16-19, lying is among the things God hates most. Lying doesn’t just hurt others, but it goes against everything God stands for. God is completely true and honest, so when we lie, we’re doing the opposite of what He is like.
Lies Hurt People
Lying might seem harmless at first, but it can cause real damage. Lies can ruin relationships, destroy trust, and often lead to even bigger lies or problems down the road. Honesty builds strong connections, but lies break them apart.
Lying Has Consequences
The Bible warns that lying isn’t just bad for relationships; it can also have serious results for us personally. Some stories in the Bible, like Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5), show that lying can have immediate, serious consequences. On top of that, the Bible talks about “eternal consequences”—meaning, lying can affect our relationship with God forever (see Revelation 21:8).
God Is All About Truth
At the end of the day, God is described as the very definition of truth. That’s why telling the truth is so important—it reflects who God is. When we choose honesty, we are following God’s example and showing respect for others.
Real-Life Examples
The Bible is full of stories about lying, both good and bad. Sometimes, people lied for what seemed like a good reason, like protecting someone in danger (Hebrews 11:31 talks about Rahab hiding spies). But most often, the Bible shows how lying leads to trouble.
In a Nutshell
· Lying goes against God’s nature and is a sin.
· God hates lies and wants us to be truthful.
· Lies damage relationships and trust.
· There are real consequences for lying, both now and later.
· Honesty honors God and helps us live better lives with others.
If you’re ever unsure about what to do, remember that telling the truth is always the best choice—not just because it’s right, but because it’s the way to build a strong, healthy life with God and with others.
Blessings,
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 