Truth and Nothing But the Truth

041201

02-03-99

You may have heard of some of the more recent “reality” television shows that are based entirely on a lie that must be believed by at least some of the parties involved before the contestant can receive his or her prize or reward. One such show, My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé, took this idea to an extreme.

The basic premise of this reality series was that a woman and a man, who were absolutely incompatible and who had just met, had to convince their parents that they were madly in love and had decided to get married immediately. If they persuaded their parents, who clearly would not approve of the wedding, to fully support them by attending the wedding ceremony, they would win an enormous amount of money.

However, in an unexpected twist, the man was not a contestant at all. He was actually an actor hired by the television series to pose as someone in the same predicament as the female. The catch, though, was that he had to lie to the woman to convince her that he was truly trying to get the money as well, while acting as obnoxious as possible throughout the process, making it that much more difficult for her to convince her family of their sincerity and commitment. In the end, the woman went to extremes of lying in order to convince them that she “loved” her “fiancé.”

There are so many wrong aspects of a reality show like this, but one of the greatest shockers was that the woman was living out a lie. Through her actions and words, she was intentionally hurting those who loved her the most—her family.

Her parents, brothers and sister could not understand her seemingly irrational decision and were terribly upset at her for choosing such a “loser.” There were division, yelling matches, lots of fears and worry. The contestant was torn to see her family so upset, but if they somehow figured out it was fake, or decided they would not attend the wedding, she would not receive the money. So, ultimately, she continued to tell huge lies despite the heartache and family ruin—all so she could “get rich.”

People lie for various reasons. Some live a lie similar to the one flaunted by the aforementioned television program. Some tell lies to make others think well of them. Others tell lies when they are in trouble or have been caught doing something wrong. Many tell “white lies,” which they believe are for the good of a certain situation. Finally, there are also chronic liars—those who literally lie for no reason at all.

Have you ever found yourself telling a lie? At some point, you have. And, most likely, you felt awful about it. What does the Bible say about telling lies? What does it say about telling the truth? Are “little white lies” okay? How important is it to always tell the truth?

This Bible study will answer these questions and many more. Use the points below to strengthen your resolve to always tell the truth. Many blessings result if you do so—and many unpleasant consequences ensue if you do not.

Before beginning, be sure to get your Bible so you can look up every scripture. Take the time to write out the scriptures. Be sure to take notes on what you learn. It would also be beneficial to make notes in your Bible.

(1) Where do lies come from? John 8:44. Whose attitudes are broadcast around this world with a far greater reach than any radio or television station? Ephesians 2:2. Where is the first lie documented in the Bible and who told it? Genesis 3:4-5.

Millions of years ago, Lucifer, one of three great archangels, rebelled against God. At that time, his name was changed to Satan. Since then, he has been the father of all lies! When someone lies, he or she is directly copying Satan, as a child copies his parents. The Bible is blunt, but true! Does this give you a different perspective when you have the urge to lie, or are confronted with a situation where you feel you “must” lie? Satan’s nature is broadcast to each and every human being on earth. He transmits every wrong attitude that causes bad behavior—including lying.

(2) Does God ever lie? Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18. How serious is lying from God’s perspective? Proverbs 6:16-19; 12:22.

Our Creator God cannot lie. Think for a moment of all the promises God gives to those who obey him. Consider these examples: If you obey His laws you will live an abundant, happy life. He promises to bless you if you tithe and give offerings to Him (Mal. 3:10). If you seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness first in your life, God will provide for all your needs (Matt. 6:25-33). The list could be unending. It is wonderful and incredible to know that as human beings, we can rely on God 100 percent! As Titus 1:2 references, one of the biggest promises we have is that of eternal life, and God will give it to us if we do our part. Some things are not sure in life, but what God says He will do, He will do!

God does not look lightly at those who lie. He hates it. The Hebrew word for “hate” can also mean “enemy, foe or utterly hate.” The Hebrew word for “abomination” can also mean “a disgusting thing or abhorrence.” These are strong words!

(3) What is the Ninth Commandment? Exodus 20:16; Deuteronomy 5:20. Is this command only found in the Old Testament? Matthew 19:18; Luke 18:20; Romans 13:9; Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 3:8-9.

Bearing false witness—telling a lie—is strictly prohibited. The Ten Commandments are the core of God’s Law, and many scriptures greatly expand upon them. They define the boundaries that people must live within to build and develop godly character.

These commandments can be divided into two groups: love toward God (the first four commandments) and love toward neighbor (the last six). By breaking any of the commandments, we are not loving God or our fellow man. When we lie, deceive or mislead, we hurt others and are exhibiting the opposite of the love that we should be showing them.

(4) What does God say about people—society as a whole? Isaiah 59:2-4, 12-13; Jeremiah 9:1-6; Hosea 4:1-2.

This world is cut off from God. Look around for a moment and consider the ways of nearly everyone in the world. The television show described at the beginning of this study is just the tip of the iceberg. Nearly all routinely lie in order to benefit themselves or protect themselves, out of fear, or for no reason at all.

Take note of the following phrases in the scriptures you just wrote: “spoken lies,” “tongue has muttered perverseness,” “[not] any pleads for truth,” “speak lies,” lying against the Lord,” “conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood,” “not valiant for the truth,” “deceive every one his neighbor,” “will not speak the truth,” “taught their tongue to speak lies,” “your habitation is in the midst of deceit,” “there is no truth.”

What a sobering picture! The world is simply full of lies! Consider: Children are taught from a very early age that Santa Claus comes down the chimney and gives them presents. If they are “good” throughout the year, they will be given many presents. Simply put, they are fed lies. From the earliest moments of their lives, their parents, by example, are teaching them that lying is perfectly acceptable in some situations. This is just one of an endless number of examples of how people are not “valiant for the truth.” As an ambassador for God’s way of life, you live in the world but must not be “of this world” (John 18:36). Determine not to give in to the pressures of this society—and to always tell the truth.

(5) What is the final outcome of telling lies? Proverbs 10:9; 12:19.

The Contemporary English Version of the Bible translates Proverbs 10:9 this way: “You will be safe, if you always do right, but you will get caught, if you are dishonest.” Lying is simply not worth it! Many find themselves in a difficult situation and feel that lying is the best or only way out. It may appear that way for a moment, but in the end, you will get caught. People often find themselves telling more lies as a result of one initial lie. It becomes a veritable “house of cards” that will ultimately come crashing down.

(6) What are the consequences of lying? Psalm 5:6; 31:18; 55:21, 23; 63:11; 101:7; Proverbs 19:5, 9; 20:17; Revelation 21:8, 27.

The Bible is clear. It leaves no “breathing room” for those who deceive and lie. There is absolutely nothing edifying or beneficial about lying.

You will be confronted with situations in your life, whether it is in school, your job, or just around your friends, in which you will be tempted to adjust the facts to your favor. Revisit these scriptures in your mind. God hates lying and we should as well. If you are ever tempted to lie, these warnings should echo in your mind.

(7) What about our actions? Do we lie with just our words? 1 John 1:5-6; 2:4; 4:20.

As teenagers in the Church, you can easily say you “know God.” Set apart from this world (I Cor. 7:14), you have access to God’s truth and the ability to understand it. By only obeying God outwardly—for example, coming to Sabbath services, but with a bad attitude—we could be in danger of lying. Over the decades, many young people in God’s Church only “played Church” until some event in their life or in the Church pushed them into the world. They were literally living a lie. Our outward actions should reflect our inward thoughts and attitudes—a desire and drive to keep God’s commandments and live according to His laws.

(8) What does the Bible say about listening to lies? Exodus 23:1; Proverbs 17:4.

The Proverbs state that the wicked doer listens to those who lie. Exodus 23:1 says, “raise a false report,” but can also mean “receive a false report.” Ask yourself: “What am I listening to?” “Do I listen to gossip, when it may or may not be true?” “Do I watch shows or ‘newscasts’ that specialize in rumors?” “What about other television and radio shows?”

According to God’s Word, it is equally wrong to listen to lies as it is to tell them. Be sure you do neither!

(9) What is one of the greatest reasons people feel “forced” to lie? Genesis 18:15; 26:7.

There are many biblical accounts of people lying out of fear. Many scriptures could be cited as examples. Even those who were following God’s Way sometimes made this mistake.

Times will come when you feel that the best, or only, way out is to tell a little lie. Remember, however, that your heart is deceitful above all things (Jer. 17:9), and that Satan, the father of lies, will make you feel that lying would be the best option. If you made a mistake, admit it. If you are doing something wrong, overcome it instead of trying to cover it up. You are only compounding your mistakes if you attempt to cover them with lies. For the short term, it may appear to be the better option, but ultimately, you will be caught. God always knows if you are lying.

Honesty is always the best policy. Sometimes it hurts to tell the truth, especially when you know you have done something inappropriate or wrong. But that feeling is only temporary. By telling the truth in a tough situation, you are following God’s way of life, keeping one of His Ten Commandments and building the character you need to become a stronger person. God’s laws are as sure as the physical laws that govern the earth, such as the law of gravity. If you break His laws, they will break you, but if you keep His laws, they will keep you. It is that simple! The benefits of keeping God’s laws are beyond measure!

Your goal is to become a member of the God Family. Each human being has that awesome potential! God promises that He will build His character within us and grant us eternal life if we obey Him.

Remember, God will keep His promises because He does not lie. But recall Revelation 21:27: “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defiles, neither whatsoever works abomination, or makes a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Set out to always tell the truth so that your name can be written in the Book of Life!