Category: Deceit
Friends and Enemies
The book of Proverbs has many pithy gems of wisdom, including this one, found in 27:6, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” These words well illustrate the concept of love that should be the foundation of our interactions with one another.
Jesus words, “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12), are the basis of this bit of wisdom.
A friend will seek your welfare, even if it requires him to correct you. An admonition or criticism, if needed, will still hurt (wound). But, as it comes from a friend the intent is recognized, and the wound can bring change and improvement. So, the wounds of a friend are “faithful.”
Interestingly, one of the most effective tools that Satan and his minions have is flattery. Any praise of our intelligence, our accomplishments, our attractiveness can be used to manipulate and deceive. We are all vulnerable to these tactics. It is best to be on guard!
Jude talked about false teachers in this way. “These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage” (Jude 16). The apostles warned of this type, and Jude notes, “These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit” (19).
When receiving criticism OR flattery, the wise man’s words are worthy of consideration.
Sermon: Lies
Speaker: Justin Carrell
Justin seeks to define and explain lying, and discuss why the sin is unacceptable to God.
Lying for Advantage
“Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel” (Proverbs 20:17).
Listening to the radio a few days ago, the hosts were asking each other, “What was the last lie you told?” Most of the answers were what they referred to as little white lies. For example, one man had gotten an email, and not responded. When his co-worker asked him about it, he lied and said he hadn’t got it. So, the other man backtracked, found the original email and resent it. Even though the man actually had gotten the email.
All of the confessed lies had a similar motivation. They were told to gain an advantage. To cover up a transgression, to put oneself in a more favorable light, or to shift fault. This is the primary allure of deception, and why “Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man.”
In the example above, I thought to myself that the man had better hope his employer, co-worker (or his friends) were not listening to the show! If the lie were to be found out, there would be consequences. Anger, loss of trust and reputation, and possibly repercussions from the employer. “But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.”
Don’t lie! The advantage gained may be “sweet” for the moment, but the [eternal] cost is too steep!
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