The Depths of Hatred

Proverbs 26:28 (BES) A lying tongue hates the truth; and an unguarded mouth causes tumults.

Proverbs deals repeatedly with the evil around us.  I hope you are able to understand and accept that.  Here it gets more specific in how evil works.  Lies, lies, and more lies.  We are surrounded by people who hate, literally hate, truth.

We think of the media.  I hope you have come to learn that you cannot trust what you read in most newspapers or magazines.  I hope you realize that the Internet is not much better and that is doubled down as AI comes into the mix.  AI may not be able to deliberately lie but the problem is it doesn’t know the difference often between truth and falsehood.

One of the problems with truth is that you cannot mold it and manipulate to meet your needs.  You wonder why journalist lie so much and why politicians love to tell their side of things?  It’s because if they were honest, they would not win and they’re out to win.

So?  Be an agent of truth.  Be a candle of righteousness in a dark room.  Keep in mind that one of the things that Jesus said about himself was that He was the truth.  

Specific Examples

Proverbs 24:28 (BES) Be not a false witness against thy fellow citizen, neither exaggerate with thy lips.

The standard translation of “deceive” is made “exaggerate” in the LXX.  While it may disagree with the others it brings out an important area of deception that we often overlook or deliberately ignore.  We come up with words like spin, expand or whatever is convenient for the moment.  It is still deception.

So?  Our communication is to convey truth.  Make it clear when you are just expressing your opinion.  It is a spiritual matter.  

Only Two Curtains

Proverbs 10:17 (KJV) He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

My memory tells me that there was a game show, and the contestants would have to choose between three windows or curtains.  It was exciting, but since the person making the choice had not invested any money, it wasn’t exactly earthshaking.  Here Proverbs points out to us that we actually don’t have three curtains to choose from we only have two, obedience to the instruction given to us or rejecting those instructions.

For those who are steeped in the concept of grace the idea of choice may seem strange.  For the rest of us, we understand that God offers us forgiveness and salvation because Jesus died on a cross, and if we trust in Him, we have eternal life.  They are really only two choices.

On a regular basis we face the same kind of choices.  Even if you are one who believes that you are sealed, and can never be unsealed, you still face the consequences of decision you make on a daily basis.

So?  Make sure that you are well grounded in the truth and principles that God has given us.  It will make a difference.  

Target Practice

(Pro 17:16 KJV)  Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?

The Living Bible brings this into modern culture,

(Pro 17:16 LB) It is senseless to pay tuition to educate a rebel who has no heart for truth.

Think of all the young people going to college and coming out ignorant.  You see it in man-on-the-street interviews.  You experience it in your own conversations.  Does that mean there was no truth available?  Not necessarily.  Many of them spend their time trying to figure out the easiest major and least demanding classes instead of looking to be challenged.

We see the same thing in our churches.  We have some people who leave worship revived.  We have others who just can’t wait to get to lunch.  I would guess that one had his Bible open and the other was checking his e-mails.

So?  Be open to invest your life and energy in others but it might be a good idea to look for someone who is actually seeking truth.  

Dangers of DIY

(Pro 28:26 KJV)  He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

When you have questions where do you look for answers?  Many look in self-help books.  Some talk to a friend.  The problem with these approaches is that you find books that reinforce the inclination of your own “heart” (5315) or you find a friend who will tell you to trust your heart.  That is not walking “wisely” (2451).

To walk wisely means to seek truth instead of trying to assuage your feelings or feed your inclinations.  I know it is possible to find a verse that reinforces what you want but if you are reading consistently and encouraging your mind to be receptive you will find the answers you need.

So?  Read scripture widely.  Don’t just focus on Psalms or Proverbs.  Those offer a lot of wisdom but it may not be the bit that you need today. 

Some Things Are Forever

Psalm 117:2 (KJV) For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

I memorized this chapter in Psalms when I was younger.  The main purpose involved a contest and this was the shortest chapter in the Bible.  Anyone else with me there?  Now, hopefully a bit more mature I see other values in it.  A great truth is offered.

The truth is about truth.  There are some things that last forever and one of them is the truth of the Lord.  This is a particular type of truth.  It might be a truth that never wears out but it is more than that.  This is a truth that never goes out of style.  A truth that never wears out could be like a pair of shoes that last forever but are in a color that is not considered cool today.  God’s truth is more like a white T-shirt that goes with all attire and all events.  It is always useful.

So?  Put your time into the eternal rather than the fashionable.  Read Moses instead of Plato. 

The Problem of Hands

(Psa 115:4 KJV)  Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

(Proverbs 19 also read)

I dialogue with several people who have as much exposure to the Bible as I do.  I say dialogue instead of argue although that is often the atmosphere.  In theory we are all seeking the truth but one of the mysteries is how we can come to different positions from the same Bible.  I use the NASB of 1977.  I started with it because I thought it was the most accurate in 1977.  I have stuck with it because my study notes are geared to it.  I like it because the Bible software available makes it easier to study the Greek and Hebrew.  I accept the validity of other translations and really, the differences with others that I experience are not based on the version we are using.  They are based on the traditions of men in regard to the scripture that we have been taught.

Which brings me to this verse.  God has offered us silver and gold in the written word.  We work to mine that in order to know and love our God.  The problem is not in the gold and silver of the idols but the fact that man has molded it with his hands instead of really seeking what it says.  Since I am aware that I have traditions lurking in the recesses of my mind I seek to find truth, not by accepting other traditions but asking what does the Bible actually say.

So?  Keep pouring over the written word.  Keep listening to the Holy Spirit.  Others may help.  They may steer you correctly or simply make mistakes obvious but keep on seeking.  God will work with you, and I hope with me.  

Different Word, Same Problem

(Pro 12:13 KJV)  The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

Although the word is not used, this is another reminder of the evil of lies and deceit.  Too often we accept the spin and distortion that we hear without any protest.  I will concede that you can do little in real time about the warped coverage of the news and partisan editing of comments that you see on the screen.  What you can do is turn it off and begin to contact sponsors.  Above all turn it off and urge your friends to do so.

If you hear this kind of thing in church you have more access to the people twisting truth.  If no one will listen then it may be time to leave that church your children were raised in and find a place that endorses truth.

So?  If you expect to come out of the other end of the tunnel of trouble then you need to be one of the small remnant that embraces truth.  

The Price of Truth

(Pro 9:14 KJV)  For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,

You think you have problems.  You do.  The problems you have are nothing new.  One of my problems is trying to find a news source that will actually tell me the truth without the spin.  You all know how hard that is.  Consider this chapter in Proverbs.

We have two women depicted in this chapter.  Much of the descriptions are identical.  They are both sitting calling people to come and partake of their “wisdom”.  They are not the same in spite of the similarities.  The first one’s advice leads to understanding.  This one will lead you to hell.

How do you tell the difference?  The first leads you to greater wisdom.  The second uses the theft.  What did Jesus say?  “By their fruits you shall know them.”

So?  We may not be able to listen to someone short term and know if they speak truth.  The insight comes over time as we watch their patterns and reliability.  This is true of news.  It is true of political leaders.  It is true of Bible teachers.  We can’t get away from paying attention. 

Way to Not Go

Proverbs 16:25 (KJV) There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

There are many ways this subtle reminder is expressed.  The general idea is that we are not to walk in the ways of the world.  There is a poetical expression that could be repeated almost daily about “walking to a different drummer.”  That should be us.

One of the distinctions of our modern woke culture is the seeking of consensus.  We see this echoed in the misuse of the call and praise for democracy.  Majority rule may work when you are deciding what kind of pizza to order but even there I have noticed that the appeasers always seem to get that pizza that no one eats.  Why?  To appease.  It seemed like a good idea at the time.

We are not to be contrary just to be contrary.  I know it is rare and hard to believe but sometimes the majority is right.  Feel free to fit in at those times but don’t do it just to get along.

So?  We are always going to be a minority when it comes to moral issues.  In the OT it was referred to as being the faithful remnant.  The concept is still true.  

Much Needed

Proverbs 8:7 (KJV) For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

I rotate my starting point in Proverbs to try to give a fresh insight each month.  Today I started on this verse and the word “truth” immediately jumped out at me.  How often have you been in conversation and commented on how hard it is to find out the truth when it comes to the news and what is going on in our world?  I would say almost daily.

But this is more personal than that.  This is talking about our contribution to the flow of information.  This is about what comes out of our mouth.  One of the characteristics of true followers of the One who called Himself “the Way, the Truth and the Life” is that we are committed to truth.  It should be reflected in everything we do and say.

So?  You can’t purify the internet but you can make your environment a place where people can feel like what they hear is not spin but an anchor.  

Poison and Antidotes

Proverbs 14:5 (KJV) A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.

I often complain about the lack of information about the world which can be believed.  We all have heard of Fake News and if we pay attention enough to compare sources we see it everywhere.  This is a reminder that we should be developing trusted people and venues.  That will not happen overnight.  It takes time and demands that we are alert.

Has a news anchor given you false information?  You might only know if you remember what was said and compare it to later observations.  This, again, requires focus and effort on our part.

I think part of the idea here is that we are to be responsible consumers of news and information about the world around us.  Admit that liars exist.  Recognize evil when you see it.  Apply the appropriate response.  Sometimes that will be just ignoring it.  At other times action may be required.

So?  We are called to truth and honesty.  Be part of the light in a dark world.  

Preservatives

Psalm 40:11 (KJV) Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.

(Proverbs 28 also read)

My first reaction to this verse focused on the word “loving kindness” because this is one of my favorite words in the Bible.  But I noticed there was a second element here that was offered as a preservative.  That second element was “truth”.

I often lament about the fact that we can’t find any truth in the different offerings to us in media, social platforms, books, and magazines, and often even in the pulpit.  What David is telling us here is that God offers us the truth that we need but it’s not found in the public square.  The truth we need to preserve us is found in God himself and is expressed to us in His word.

We often come to the questions in our life and try to interpret what the Bible says through our experiences.  What would be more helpful is if we would come to our experiences in life and try and interpret them through what the Bible says.  What are the real preservatives in life?  Think of the food you eat.  You have the preservatives that in theory keep the food itself fresh.  I’m going rotten but in another sense, the food that we eat is what preserves us and keeps us going.

So?  Partake of the truth.  Get a steady diet of it.  Let it preserve you.  

Keep Looking

Proverbs 22:21 (KJV) That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

In this day and age of AI, we are constantly asking ourselves, “Can we believe our lying eyes?”  When I do a search, I tend to skip over the AI answer at the beginning, but I’m noticing that more and more of the individual sources listed below also seem to reference AI.  AI may have a grain of truth, but it is easy to use it for total deception.

In the mist of this we are reminded that we can know “words of truth”.  And see that word “certainty”.  We may not know if the celebrity in the video is real.  We may not know if the quote in the news article is accurate.  There are many things in this world that we cannot know.  Many times the only way we can tell what is real and what is artificial is by having our feet solidly on the ground and asking ourselves, “Does that make sense?”

So?  Often it won’t make sense because we know with certainty the words of truth.  Focus on those words.  Think about those words.  Apply those words.  It will help us discern the false from the real.  

Traditional Mistakes

(Pro 28:24 KJV)  Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

One of my theories is that the Jewish teachers of Jesus’ day had largely abandoned the written law of Moses and were running on full tanks of tradition and man-made wisdom.  This would tell me that it was also that way in the days of Solomon.  Remember one of the discussions Jesus had with the scribes and Pharisees. 

(Mat 15:3 KJV)  But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
(Mat 15:4 KJV)  For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

Be careful that what you believe is actually in the Bible.  We have a lot of traditions that are harmless.  We have some that are silly.  Some might have taken the place of doctrine.

So?  It cannot be said too much.  Keep seeking the truth the Bible offers.  Keep your eyes open and your mind in gear.  

Filtering

Proverbs 14:18 (KJV) The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

As I read this morning, it reminded me of how difficult it is for us to know what is happening in current events.  We go to the media and find that for the large part it’s all fantasy and lies.  We go to YouTube and we have lots of Clickbait and tantalizing titles.  We talk to our friends and they give us their opinions, which are very much their opinions

What are we to do?  The point here is that those who are simple or naïve, depending on your translation, just take what they hear and it produces nothing but folly.  On the other side, those who are prudent and careful in their thinking can end up with real knowledge.

So?  Again I remind you to start with the written word of God.  That will give you a standard by which to understand your world.  Once you have that foundation listen to what you hear, filtered through the active involvement of the Holy Spirit in your process.  

Running on Empty

Proverbs 30:8 (KJV) Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

These couple of verses are really powerful as a basis for our prayer requests.  We spent so much time on long list of concerns or desires.  We pray for friends and relatives.  We pray for the nation.  All that is good, but there’s a basis that we need to start with and that’s found here.

The first thing mentions here in the KV is “vanity”.  Other translations use words that have to do with deception and lies.  The basic idea behind it is emptiness.  A lie can be a statement of truth that has no truth.  Deception is giving the appearance of something that is not shown.  This is a basic call to honesty.  It’s a call for us to rely on truth and reality and not just what we want.

So?  Make it a request maybe each morning.  Make it a conscious desire of your life.  Strive to get rid of the emptiness of vanity and fill your life with the substance of truth.  Of course the place to start with that is in reading your Bible and seeing what God has to say about life.  

Landmarks

Proverbs 23:10 (KJV) Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:

Before I spiritualize this and make an application, take a moment to consider what has gone before.  When Israel came into the promised land, it was divided up by tribes.  Within the tribes, it was divided up again and you ended up with people who were given land that was supposed to be theirs forever.  I believe the concept was that you could not sell it permanently, that, for instance, in the year of jubilee it would return to its original owners.

So the old landmarks were significant in saying who each family was, and how they fit into the nation of Israel.  They were not taken lightly.  They weren’t just some marks on the ground.  They were significant fixtures meant to be permanent.  They were the place which you begin to measure other things from.

Now let’s spiritualize just a little bit.  We have certain landmarks that are supposed to be permanent in our lives.  These are the rocks of truth that God gives us in His word.  They are not to be discarded or changed.  They are the starting point of everything else.

It’s easy to mistake landmarks with cultural points of reference.  In worship some people think that the hymns are the only spiritual music.  I confess I come close to that, but I don’t think I’m quite that closed minded.  But we have a scripture reference to psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.  It covers a lot of ground.

So?  Make sure that the basis of your decisions and your values are rooted in scripture not in culture.  Culture changes.  Traditions change.  Truth is a landmark that does not vary.  

Redefining

Proverbs 14:15 (NKJV) The simple believes every word, But the prudent considers well his steps.

I make a point of regularly pointing out the difference between a skeptic and a cynic.  Perhaps here is a better word to describe the role of the skeptic.  Skeptics do not deny truth they just ask for proof.

Maybe it would be better to consider myself prudent, rather than skeptical.  It sounds more noble for one thing, but it means much the same.  There is truth.  Biblical truth is relatively easy to find.  Political truth and current events truth is almost impossible.  That is why we need to start with the Bible and then move on with a smell test to see what the world tells us.

So?  Accept that there is truth to be found, and that God will help you find it but like many things in life if you don’t go looking, it will remain buried. 

Fake Is Bigger Than the News

Proverbs 14:15 (KJV) The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.

Have you read or watched any news today?  Did you believe what you read?  If you did you have my sympathy.  Buried in all that we are inundated with are some facts and some truth, but very little.  The problem isn’t that there is no truth.  The problem is that we don’t want to put the effort into digging it out.

There is a process.  It starts with listening carefully.  It then goes to comparing what different people say and what you know from the past.  You also need to mix in a heavy dose of common sense.  When you read a story about a person that goes totally against what you know their character to be, get out your salt shaker, and have a few grains.

I recently heard about a man from South Africa who was talking in glowing terms about how good things were there.  My skeptic bell went off, and I said to myself that does not go along with other things I have read and heard from what I consider reliable sources.  I asked the person reporting if they could vouch for the character and veracity of the person who was talking about South Africa and I got a pretty solid, “No”.   My conclusion was that the person speaking was either living in a bubble or being very dishonest.

So?  The most vital ingredient in finding truth in what goes on around you is a healthy skepticism that is willing to accept what is provable, but also willing to look beyond the surface to see if there was fraud or deceit going on.  Again, the basis that you need to judge truth is knowing the truth itself, found in the Scriptures.  The principles and standards there that can give you a foundation for evaluating everything else.  Don’t be simple.