Children are born innocent, but as they grow, they quickly learn the ways of the world.  How many times have you seen a small child do something wrong and when confronted by their parent denied it?  Even when the parent explained to the child that they saw the wrongdoing with their own eyes, the child shakes their head "no."

Unfortunately, the act of lying is not something only limited to children. Teenagers may lie on tests taken in school for fear of failing, or about a rival that stands between them and the person whose affections they long for. Adults on the other hand may lie on their resumes in order toget a job which they hope will bring financial gain or on their taxes to keep from paying the government money. The bottom line is that people lie for a variety of reasons.

So what does God’s Word tell us (Christians) about the act of lying? Psalms 34:13 says, “Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.” Ephesians 4:25 says, “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.” Finally Proverbs 12:22 states, “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.”

So what is the meaning behind these scriptures?  Simply: 1) avoid not telling the truth, 2) don’t say things that are not honest about our neighbors/others because we are all part of God’s family and most importantly, 3) do not lie because the action is something that is not pleasing to God. 

The problem with lying is that it can have devastating consequences.  Lies can deeply hurt the feelings of others, harm the reputation of others and cause us to begin a habit which will lead us away from God and therefore prevent us from being the people of integrity that He has created us to be.

Teach your children well and lead them by example.  The next time you are tempted to bend the truth to try to get something you want, ask yourself the question, “If God were standing behind me when I say this, what would He say or do?

Blessings.