Proverbs 13:5
“A righteous [man] hateth lying: but a wicked [man] is loathsome, and cometh to shame.”
Loathsome Lies and Shame
I have shared before that as a child and teenager I had a habit of stretching the truth, spreading rumors, and flat-out lying. I was rather despicable.
In truth, I told these stories and fabrications to satisfy my own needs.
My need to feel important. (People actually listened to me!)
My need to feel accepted. (People listening felt like people liking me!)
My need to control my life. (That big lie we all believe at some point in our lives.)
Many times, I got caught in my deception. I felt shame and guilt. It led to hating people more and more.
Hating … in a good way
I also have shared before that because of my deceitful tongue, I learned the importance of being open with people.
I started out hating people, because I felt that no one understood me and no one wanted to be with me.
I learned to hate those things that pushed people farther away. I learned how much God hates sin, and I wanted to hate what He hates.
Several chapters ago, we discussed some things God hates: specifically “lying lips”.
We should hate lies. We should love honesty and openness. Otherwise, we will find ourselves coming to shame and being hated.
Good Father, thank You for Your truth and confronting us in our lies. Thank You for Your forgiveness, mercy, and grace. Forgive those who continue in lies. Help us learn to hate anything that goes against Your truth.
