Understanding the Meaning and Importance of God’s Truthfulness
Have you ever heard the saying, “God is not a man that He should lie”? It comes from the Bible, specifically Numbers 23:19, and it’s a powerful statement about who God is. But what does it mean, and why does it matter to everyday people? Let’s break it down in simple, everyday language.
What Does This Statement Mean?
At its core, “God is not a man that He should lie” means that God is completely honest, every time, with no exceptions. Unlike humans—who sometimes make mistakes, change their minds, or break promises—God never lies and never goes back on His word. If He says something, you can count on it.
Why Is This Important?
· Humans Can Let Us Down: We’ve all had times when people didn’t keep their promises. Maybe a friend said they’d help, then didn’t show up. Or a leader made a promise they couldn’t keep. That’s part of being human.
· God Is Different: The Bible tells us that God simply cannot lie. It’s not just that He chooses not to; it’s that His very nature makes lying impossible. He is the perfect example of truth and reliability.
Bible Verses That Show God’s Truthfulness
· Numbers 23:19 (NIV): “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?”
· Titus 1:2 (ESV): “…in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began.”
· Hebrews 6:18 (ESV): “…it is impossible for God to lie…”
How Is God Different from People?
People, even the best ones, sometimes fail. We might forget what we promised, change our minds, or even say things we don’t really mean. But God is completely trustworthy. He doesn’t change His mind or leave us guessing about what He means. If He makes a promise, He keeps it. Always.
Why Can’t God Lie?
God’s character is perfect. Imagine a person who always tells the truth, keeps promises, and never lets you down—multiply that by infinity, and you’re getting close to what God is like. Lying would go against everything God is; it’s as impossible for God to lie as it is for us to live without breathing.
What Does This Mean for Us?
It means that when God makes a promise, you can hold on to it, no matter what. For example:
· If God promises to love you, He always will.
· If He says He will forgive those who come to Him, you can trust that forgiveness is real.
· If the Bible says that God will never leave us or forsake us, we can rely on that—even when life gets tough.
Real-Life Example from the Bible: Balaam and Balak
There’s a story in Numbers 23 where a king named Balak wants a prophet named Balaam to curse the people of Israel. But God steps in and turns the curse into a blessing instead. Balak gets upset, but Balaam explains that God isn’t like people—He doesn’t change His mind or go back on His word. Even when people try to mess things up, God’s plans stand firm.
What If It Feels Like God Isn’t Keeping His Promises?
Sometimes, life is hard and things don’t seem to go our way. We might wonder if God really will help us, or if His promises still matter. The Bible encourages us to keep praying and trusting, even when answers seem slow. God’s timing isn’t always our timing, but He always follows through.
Encouragement for Today
So, next time you feel let down or wonder if you can trust anyone, remember: God is not a man that He should lie. His promises are solid. You can talk to Him, trust Him, and know that He always tells the truth and keeps His word. That’s a foundation you can build your life on.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 