Good Morning!
So stated a recent newspaper article out of London. The study further revealed:
- On the average, people tell a lie every eight minutes.
- US $50.00 was “mistakenly” sent to 25 clergy and 25 car salesmen. 15 in both group cashed the checks.
The article concluded, “Dishonesty is a fundamental part of life.” Certainly the Scriptures would
concur, “Everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception...” (Psa. 12:2)
What are some of the reasons people lie?
- To manipulate – “Joe, you are one of the last ones to endorse the project. Surely you want to be part of the team.”
- To not offend – “Yes Mary, that is a lovely dress.”
- To withhold a portion of the truth – “Sales are up 20%!” (Suppressing the fact that the company ended the year in the red.)
- To avoid inconvenience – “Tell them I’m not in the office.”
- To excuse their failure – “I was late due to heavy traffic.”
- To exaggerate – “85% of the units are sold out,” states the advertisement, when in fact the figure is 42%.
- To flatter – “Bill, how did you become so exceptional at so many things?”
- To deceive – “We can do the job for 15% below the lowest bidder… and on time.”
Given the seriousness of the problem, perhaps our prayer should echo that of the Psalmist, “Save me, O Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues.” (Psa. 120:2)
Because God somberly forewarns us,
“No one who practices deceit will dwell in My house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in My presence…All liars–their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” [or Hell] (Psa. 101:7; Rev. 21:8b)
My prayer is that you are having a great week!