It’s WORDS WEEK here on GUWG, where we’re examining Proverbs on communication.
Once again, here’s our PROVERB-O-RAMA WHEEL OF WORDS:
Today you get two topics for the price of one: HONEST and DIRECT words.
Let’s start with the truth (or lack thereof). According to USA TODAY, 91% of us lie “routinely.” 86% lie to their parents, 75% lie to their friends, 73% lie to their siblings and 69% lie to their spouses. Yikes.
God detests lies. Here’s what the Bible says:
A lying tongue
hates those it hurts.
(Proverbs 26:28)
An honest answer
is like a kiss on the lips.
(Proverbs 24:26)
In other words, lies are hateful and hurtful but the truth is like heavenly smooches.
To tell you the truth, lies are downright satanic. Speaking of Satan, Jesus said:
When he lies,
he speaks his native language,
for he is a liar
and the father of lies.
(John 8:44)
So, when we lie we’re speaking Satan’s native tongue. Think about that the next time you’re tempted to fib.
A close corollary to HONEST words is DIRECT words. Jesus said:
If your brother or sister sins,
go and point out their fault,
just between the two of you.
If they listen to you,
you have won them over.
(Matthew 18:15)
Waaaaaaaaaaaay too often we ignore those instructions and GOSSIP behind others’ backs. Here’s what the Bible says about that:
A gossip betrays a confidence
so avoid anyone who talks too much.
(Proverbs 20:19)
Without wood
a fire goes out;
without a gossip
a quarrel dies down.
(Proverbs 26:20)
The words of a gossip
are like choice morsels,
they go down
to a man’s most inmost parts.
(Proverbs 18:8)
To sum up in 8 little words:
This is quite hard hitting. How many times do we tell little “white lies”? And truth be told…a lie is a lie and according to scripture, it is the devil’s language. I will definitely be working extremely hard on not telling those little “white lies” from now on.
Yep, hits me hard, too. The key is to let God fill your heart with the Spirit so that you overflow with love, joy, peace — and truth!