Lying Lips

November 9

(Psalm 120:1-4 NIV) A song of ascents. “{1} I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me. {2} Save me, O Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues. {3} What will he do to you, and what more besides, O deceitful tongue? {4} He will punish you with a warrior's sharp arrows, with burning coals of the broom tree.”

(Proverbs 10:18-21 NIV) “He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. {19} When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. {20} The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. {21} The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.”

Lying lips are in fashion today. Untrue words come from presidents, salesmen, loved ones, athletes, media, and even pulpits. Dishonest speech is nothing new, but these days it seems that we are inundated with a great flood of lies. The Psalm writer cries out for relief. He is drowning in lies. He begs to be delivered from deceitful tongues. He needs the breath of God’s truth. Lying is especially foolish when we go before the Lord. We face the sharp arrows and burning coals of judgment when we lie to God. As we ascend to worship in our sanctuaries, let us not lie to God in our singing, speaking, or praying. Let our tongues be righteous in all their praise.  What we say is important. What comes out of our mouth can determine the course of our life and the lives of others. Truth nourishes. Lies destroy. Rid your life of lying lips. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day