Exodus 20:16
Do not tell lies about others.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The other day, my grandmother was mad at me, and she told me that her “Meals on Wheels” didn’t ever contain cornbread. She said, “They never send cornbread.” I told her that was interesting, because I’ve gone with my husband several times to deliver the meals, and I’m pretty sure I’ve seen cornbread on the trays. “Well,” she backed up, “they don’t send any that’s fit to eat!”
This reminds me of the time our great-nephew filled his aunt’s garden tub full of hot water and then claimed he didn’t know how it happened, saying, “I didn’t touch the hot water … just the cold!”
In both of these cases, I can’t truly say that my grandmother and our little great-nephew were telling lies. But both were certainly stretching the truth! And that’s what we tend to do over and over again. The trouble is … we blur the lines, and before we know it, lying comes quite easy for some of us. Or, we are so driven to succeed – or accomplish/acquire something – that we will go to any lengths to get it … even telling lies about others.
My grandmother will soon be 98. Our great-nephew was about four when he filled the tub. While both stretched the truth, they do have age as a bit of an excuse … one older and desperate to maintain an independent lifestyle, and the other too young to fully know better – although he knew enough to try to explain how the water got into the tub! But we know better! If we don’t realize what we are doing at the time and how we are essentially lying, we’re fooling ourselves.
Lies about anything – particularly other people – help no one. They have the potential to hurt a lot of people. Do not tell lies about others – or lie about anything. Be honest, straightforward, morally upright, and pleasing to God. This is not a license to be cruel or unkind to others in an effort to tell the truth. If someone is dressed unattractively, you don’t have to tell them how bad they look. But if they ask if they look okay, you need to find a kind, tactful way to tell the truth.
If you back into something with your vehicle, don’t pretend you have no clue how the dent got in your car fender. If your friends are participating in activities that are illegal or immoral, don’t give them the idea you are okay with it when you aren’t – or worse yet, cover for them with authorities and others. Don’t try to build yourself up by telling lies and cutting down others. Don’t lie for your boss, your job, your spouse, your friends, or even your parents!
One more thing… those who become known for telling lies and/or stretching the truth develop a reputation for being unreliable. Don’t you know people for whom it’s said, “You can’t believe a thing he/she says!”? You do not want to become one of these people!
Tell the truth … always. This may not make you the most popular person in the world, but it will garner you top billing with God. He wants honest servants who don’t tell lies – or even stretch the truth. He will guide you and protect you in your honesty, and He will show you how to speak the truth with tact and kindness. God will bless those known for their honesty and make them men and women of character and sound reputation. Be one of these people. Honor your faith and your relationship with God by telling the truth … and never anything less.
©2010 Debbie Robus
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