Daily Devotional for July 9, 2007

Proverbs 12
13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
16 A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
28 In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)

I watched with interest the latest sensational news story about a young pregnant woman who went missing, only to be “found” some 9 or 10 days later by her boyfriend, who also happened to be a policeman. Supposedly he went to visit this woman and their 2-year-old son, and the woman collapsed and died, and he panicked and felt he should hide her body. Since he is a policeman, he probably knew that decomposition of the body in the summer heat would destroy a lot of forensic evidence if he could just keep up some sort of story/alibi for a week or so.

After the “discovery” of the body, people came forward claiming this man has a history of violence and aggressive behavior. The mother of a 9-year-old child claimed this man is the father and that she is so thankful she saw the light early on and was able to get away from him before he did anything harmful to her or the child. Others attested to this man’s character, or lack thereof. The police are investigating, and as more and more information comes to light, we hopefully get a little close to the truth.

Hopefully you will never personally encounter evil on this level… or lies that lead such horrific actions. But even lies that do not result in criminal activity are harmful and destructive. Deceit is an abomination to God, whether it is sneaking out of the house or telling your parents you are staying with a friend while you are really somewhere else, or cheating on your taxes. God is interested in the truth… He knows if you take home pens and paper from work for your own use. He knows when you tell someone you will work 4 hours, and you show up late, sit around and drink coffee for a half hour, then leave a half hour early. He knows when you ask someone to cover for you… and when you say one thing and feel another in your heart. It is absolutely absurd for us to think we can lie and get by with it in God’s eyes. And He’s the One who matters. So be honest and live a life that satisfies both you AND God.

©2007 Debbie Robus