Saturday, November 2, 2019

I Was Only Joking – Right or Wrong? No Lying


Meditate on this verse:
Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, "I was only joking." Proverbs 26:18-19

No lying. That is from the Ten Commandments.
You must not testify falsely against your neighbor. Exodus 20:16
Falsely testifying is lying…no matter who it is to.
Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the LORD. Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. Psalm 34:11-15 (underlined for emphasis)
David wrote about liars and how he values goodness in those around him—friends and servants.
I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride. I will search for faithful people to be my companions. Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me. I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence. Psalm 101:5-7

Joking is dangerous when it comes lying—it is a foolish action.  Consider what a foolish thing it is to joke about some things at an airport. No fooling around there. Jokes have a time and place—but it is a fool who doesn’t choose those wisely.
There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking. Proverbs 29:20

The eternal future is bright and hopeful for those who are honest and upright. All the blameless will likely be right alongside these chosen ones in Heaven.
Then I saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him were 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. ... They have told no lies; they are without blame. Revelation 14:1, 5

The liars of this world have a future without God.
But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death. Revelation 21:8
That fiery lake may seem brutal…but those liars who “joke” are warned. Where are you headed?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, Declare me innocent, O God! Defend me against these ungodly people. Rescue me from these unjust liars. Psalm 43:1 Thank you, Lord, that my friends are honest. Help all of us to be faithful to You and encouraging to each other.

Daily Bible Reading ~ Luke 19

© 2019 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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