Have you ever pondered the question ‘why do people lie’. Lying has become so common in today’s society that it’s almost an acceptable practice. People are confronted with lying multiple times per day and without thinking, resulting with the possibility of entertaining the idea of telling a little ‘white lie’. Perhaps even a well planned purposeful lie. In either situation a lie is a lie regardless of any circumstance.
So why do people lie. Some examples. To win admiration of peers, protect personal feelings, avoid consequences from their actions, personal gain, hide embarrassment, maintain false privacy, personal power and control, and doesn’t want truth to be known. Lying is simply a selfish act.
To a greater extent, a pathological liar can experience mental health issues; ie. mental well being, personality changes, anger attitude, low self esteem, destroyed relationships, immune to peoples feelings, your compassion for others and empathy are reduced over time.
How does a lie affect the other party? ie.. most people feel disrespected, deceived, lose trust, devalues the relationship, hurtful, and emotional feelings are severed.
However, all is not lost, forgiveness is real, restoration is available through confession, repentance and prayer to our Savior, Jesus Christ. His mercy and grace are everlasting,
regardless of the sin.
God is very concerned with lying, His wrath is severe, His commandment is exceptionally clear, ‘Thou shall not bear false witness against your neighbor’.
Additional scriptures to review:
Psalms 120:2 – Deliver my soul, oh Lord from lying lips and from a deceitful tongue.
Psalms 101:7 – He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence.
Psalms 52:3 – You love evil more than good, and lying rather than speaking righteousness.
Proverbs 6:16 – The Lord hates a lying tongue.
Proverbs 10:18 – Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, whoever spreads slander is a fool.
Proverbs 17:4 – An evildoer gives heed to false lips, a liar eagerly listens to a spiteful tongue.
Proverbs 12:19 – A truthful tongue shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Proverbs 26:28 – A lying tongue is hated by those who are crushed by it.
Colossians 4:9 – Do not lie to one another.
Isaiah 59:2 – Your iniquities have separated you from your God.
Revelation 14:5 – And in their mouth was found no guile, for they are without fault before the throne of God.
Please continue to read God’s Word, you will find an abundance of mercy and grace.
Submitted by LRL
