MEMORY VERSE: For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. Proverbs 8:7.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 6:16-19
INTRODUCTION
A lie is a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive or convey a false impression. It is an intentional act of deviating from the truth. Lies have some terrible offshoots which when put on a scale are all sinful. We nowever need to look at these horrific subdivisions and do away with them if we want to live a good life, see good days, have a godly home and society, enjoying God’s presence always 1 Peter 3:10.
OUTLINE
1. THE CATEGORIES OF LIES
2. DANGERS AND CURE FOR LIES
1. THE CATEGORIES OF LIES
Some of the groups or subdivisions lies include the following:
FALSEHOOD: This is a false statement, a misrepresentation of the fact, the act of rendering something false by fraudulent changes such as documents or measures, Proverbs 11:1; 20:10; Job 21:34 or simply not telling the truth Psalm 144:8.
EXAGGERATION: This is a close relation to falsehood. It is the act of giving to overstatement, fabrication and needless embellishment of the truth or a bloated statement that does not exist Matthew 5:37; James 5:12
DECEIT: This is the act or practice of deceiving; concealment or distortion of the truth for the purpose of misleading, fraud, cheating, etc. Just like a liar, a deceitful person practices mischief and falsehood Without any form of restraint. Psalm 10:7; 50:19; 52:2-3. An individual who is untrustworthy, two-faced, or fraudulent is deceitful.
HYPOCRISY: An outright display of insincerity by virtue of pretending to have qualities or beliefs that one does not really have, Matthew 23:27- 30; 1 Timothy 4:1-2
HALF-TRUTH: A statement that is only partly true, especially one intended to deceive Acts 5:1-3, 8; Ephesians 4:25. It is another Way of lying.
GUILE: It is the practice of being crafty or the use of tricks to decel someone; usually to extract money from them Genesis 25:29-34, 29;16-30; 2 Corinthians 12:16-17.
FLATTERING: To praise dishonestly because of ulterior motives Psalm 78:36-37; 5:9. Praise singers who wish to attract favour flatter and end the relationship afterward.
2. DANGERS AND CURE FOR LIES
The penalties of these categories of lies include; getting cut off from Gol Job 13:16; Psalm 12:3, being detestable in His sight Proverbs 6:16 being susceptible to divine punishment Proverbs 19:5, being counted as people who practise hypocrisy and iniquity Matthew 23:28-29, short time joy Job 20:5, living unrealistic life Proverbs 12:17, not seeing good days 1 Peter 3:10; Job 32:22. No liar will make heaven Revelations 21:8,27.
There are several things a believer can do to avoid telling lies. These include Being precise in communications Matthew 5:37; Telling the whole truth; this is a virtue that brings honour Exodus 18:21; Not trying to be wise in your own eyes Proverbs 3:7; Avoiding hasty responses James 1:19, Proverbs 17:27. Employing God’s wisdom when speaking James 3:17. Putting a check on utterances Job 27:4 -5; 1 Thessalonians 2:5.
CONCLUSION
Be truthful.
FURTHER READINGS
SUN: Ezekiel 18:8.
MON:Acts 6:3.
TUE: Revelation 14:5.
WED:Proverbs 10:19.
THUR: Proverbs 28:21.
FRI:1 Peter 1:22.
SAT: Isaiah 46:4.
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