Falsehood and Deceit

Throughout the Bible, God makes it clear that falsehood and deceit are serious problems. Jesus, who is God, is the very definition of truth, so it makes sense that He takes lies so seriously, even including a command against falsehood in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:16; John 14:6). And that’s not the only place God speaks against the sin of deceit. The prophet Jeremiah wasn’t fooling around when he slammed “the lying pen of the scribes” (Jeremiah 8:8). The greedy scribes, prophets, and priests were deceiving the people for personal gain, and God was not pleased (Jeremiah 8:10). These religious leaders cared nothing for the people. We’re even told that these leaders had forgotten “how to blush” (Jeremiah 8:12). In other words, they felt they’d done no wrong. Even from the beginning, the serpent, Satan, deceived Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:1-4). He lied about God’s instruction that they avoid eating from a certain tree. But they fell for the lie, plunging humankind into sin and destruction. Satan has been lying to us ever since (John 8:44). We see lies all around us today. We—whether we’re leaders in power or normal, everyday citizens—often lie about questionable decisions we’ve made that hurt others. However, our good God not only warns but also comforts us when it comes to falsehood and deceit. While lies bring death, the truth of who Jesus is brings us life. As Christians, even though lies surround us, we have a champion in Jesus and can find comfort knowing that the One “who is true” will win out in the end (1 John 5:20; 2 John 2). • Susan Sundwall • The truth of the gospel can set us free from the lies that surround us (John 8:31-36). False teachers tell lies about who Jesus is and who we are in relationship to Him, which is why false teaching is such a big deal (2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 4:1-6). As Christians, how does this affect the way we talk about Jesus with others (2 Corinthians 4:1-6)? • How does the Holy Spirit help Christians share truth in hard situations (Luke 12:11-12)? We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 1 John 5:20 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Proverbs 12:22; Jeremiah 8:8-13