The tongue is a dangerous tool used by many to destroy individuals, families, friends, etc. Men misuse the tongue in many ways. We ought to learn how to properly use our tongues. God has not given us this little member to be misused. God has a purpose for the tongue. We need to learn how to use it correctly. One of the most common sins of the tongue is the practice of lying.

Often people will talk about "little white lies." This terminology is used to try to excuse lying. If you listen to most folks today, no one lies anymore. Many tell "half- truths," which are nothing more than whole lies. Some will purposely deceive one into believing a lie. Someone may tell something that is true, but say it in such a way as to lead one to believe a lie. You tell someone how much you like their dress, shirt, or tie, only to turn around, and laugh at how foolish you believe they look. You compliment a Bible class teacher, preacher, or elder only to go home and discuss how inept they are.

Telling half-truths is not something new. Abraham did it when he told Pharaoh that Sarah was his sister (Gen. 12:10-13). His son Isaac had his father's lying tongue, when he lied about Rebekah calling her sister (Gen. 26:6-11). Jacob deceived his father into believing he was Esau (Gen. 27:18ff). These patriarchs all lied.

Lying led to Adam and Eve being cast from the garden of Eden. Satan lied to Eve when he simply inserted a "Not" into God's Word (Gen. 3). It should not surprise anyone that Satan lied, after all, he is the father of lies (Jn. 8:44).

Among the list of things God hates is a "lying tongue" (Prov. 6:16-19). Many today follow after lies and are lost because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved (2Thess. 2:10-12). Men will not only be lost for telling lies, but also for believing them. John said, "all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death" (Rev. 21:8). Those who "make a lie" shall not enter heaven (Rev. 21:27). John depicts those who lie as being outside the holy city. He said, "For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie" (Rev. 22:15).

Surely no one wants to be left outside the holy city! Let us do as the noble Bereans and search the Scriptures daily to be certain we are not following cunningly devised lies. Let us all assure ourselves we are walking in the truth. Only the truth can set a soul free from his sins (Jn. 8:32).

Terry Joe Kee
Jonesboro, AR