Read:

Proverbs 12:22 "The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy."

Proverbs 6:16-19 "There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community."

Think:

As a result of one popular psychology group study, evidence was found that among people who frequent restaurants, 85% of the customers told the restaurant staff their dining experience was satisfactory when it wasn't. Why do people tell these seemingly harmless "white lies"? Psychologists consider lying cognitive dissonance, which means we fabricate the truth to fit our surroundings and feelings. People make the lie fit the occasion; the number one reason given for lies is that the truth hurts.

Lies, however, are slippery slopes. You can't stop at one. They pave the way for more extensive and more extravagant lies. Lies will lead us into the path of deception and moral corruption. We see in Proverbs 6 that God is adamantly opposed to lying. It is because of the unique, mighty destruction that lies bring. How can we avert this path of destruction? How can we destroy the pattern of lying that will lead to relational and personal chaos? There are three steps to eliminate a pattern of lying: refrain, renew, and replace. Refrain from speaking the lie. Renew your mind by putting God's Word in your heart and mind. Replace the lies with truth.

Apply:

Today, practice a truthful environment. Practice the three steps: refrain, renew, and replace. If you are tempted to use your words in ways that aren't truthful, stop and think. Practice being truthful. Commit yourself to honesty.

Pray:

God, I ask that you fill me with your power. When I don't know what to say, give me the words to say. Help me to be kind, but truthful. Give me wisdom. In Jesus' name, Amen.