Today’s Reading, Proverbs 7-9
Focal Scripture: Proverbs 8:7 “For my mouth tells the truth, and wickedness is detestable to my lips.”
Anyone who knows me well knows that if you ask me a question you are going to get an honest answer. Even if you don’t want to get it from me. I wish I could say that this is a redeeming quality that I have. Unfortunately, it is a burden and often causes me great distress. Contrary to what people think I don’t enjoy telling the truth all of the time. It is actually exhausting and often emotionally draining. Why? I don’t like hurting peoples feelings. I also don’t intentionally try to hurt people by telling them the truth. My goal is to love them and serve them, however, my delivery is not always the best. I can come across and cold and callous even though my intentions are the complete opposite.
In today’s reading Solomon is talking to his son and he lets him know that he needs to have a mouth that speaks the truth. He needs to make sure that wickedness is detestable to his lips. What is the purpose of Solomon telling his son this proverb? It is to encourage him to be a truth teller and not spread deceitful words.
As I tell the truth to others I am learning how to do it with more tact, love, and genuine care. I often ask God why he created this trait in me. When it comes to the preaching of his word it is very obvious. However, when it comes to dealing with people it causes me much anxiety and frustration. It also makes me cut people off who are not truth tellers. I have a visceral reaction to people who tell lies or use false information to further an agenda.
Just this week I was told something that was completely false about a position I resigned from over two years ago. This person informed me that they were under the impression I was fired or forced to resign. This is not the first time I have heard that from someone. Every time that I do hear that statement it proves why God told me to move on from that position. A place that can’t tell the truth over a persons departure is not a place that pursues honor and holiness.
So the challenge that you and I face as believers today is to always speak the truth. When others don’t, we have to stand in the gap. As believers we have to stop promoting and excusing people who speak lies because that is considered wicked in the Lord’s eyes.
Be encouraged that you are probably more well equipped than myself and can share it in a way that honors the Lord and brings glory to his name. Being passionate about the truth is not a gotcha moment. It is a restorative calling to those who are doing wrong. It comes from a heart of wanting to see people passionate about the Lord.
So speak the truth in love and flee wicked talk. When others tell lies, call them out biblically. Telling the truth is difficult but the opposite is detrimental.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Proverbs 10-12
