Sunday, September 05, 1999 This Week's Lesson:
In this week's lesson, which came from Proverbs 12:17-21, the objective was to help adults recognize the importance of being honest. It is always right to tell the truth. It is never right to tell a lie. Speaking the truth shows righteousness. Speaking lies shows deceit. Telling lies about someone else or being a part of letting others believe lies about someone else are wrong. Being a part of lying and deceitfulness does not demonstrate Christian love. Proverbs 26:28 says, "A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin." Lying about others causes much hurt. Psalms 31:18 says, "Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous." Psalms 52:2-3 says, "Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah." Solomon wrote that the righteous tongue would be established forever while those who habitually tell lies are but for a moment. Lying causes damage, much like the deep piercing of a sword. Telling the truth brings decency and goodness to everyone. Those who tell lies have evil in their heart while those who tell the truth and maintain harmony have a joyful heart.
There are many benefits to being honorable. The most important is that the Lord has His eye upon the honest and the just. He keeps them from evil. Psalms 5:4 says, "For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee." The lives of the wicked, on the other hand, shall be filled with mischief because their lives are a reflection of their evil ways. As Christians, we cannot escape the fact that we are sinners. However, we should still strive to practice honesty. Our tongue can cause a lot of damage in the hearts and lives of others. How much worse our devilish work when we have intentionally acted unjustly. When we walk with the Lord, we learn of Him, our ways become honorable, and we are conformed to the image of Christ. Psalms 33:4 says, "For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth." When we do not practice honesty, our ways will be dishonorable and deceitful. The Bible teaches that it is important to be honest and live right. When we live by sound biblical principles and we strive to do what we should, then we will benefit from the Lord's guiding, protective hand. When we fail to do right, we invite trouble and difficulty. As you go through the coming week, do your best to be honest and to live right. Try to be the very person that God wants you to be and also try to be a positive force in someone else's life.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
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