The Watchman's Diary

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,
But those who deal truthfully are His delight. (Proverbs 12:22)

Have you read the proverbs lately? If not, you should try reading one chapter per day for the next few months. I once read a chapter a day for one whole year and it still feels fresh every time I turn to it. You will find so much of the Proverbs very relevant to those things that happen in your life and in every world event.

Lying has become an art form and there is no shortage of it these day; except it is taking on new names. Whether it be fake news, falsehood, untruths, etc., it is still a LIE! Unfortunately, we have become so accustomed to being informed that we often don’t take the time to seek out truth. We place our trust in the news anchor, the speech writer, the surrogate, the pastor, and those who go out to draw people onto their side.

There is One who has not changed his view of lying; God still declares that “lying lips are an abomination”. He also declares much more truth and wisdom that we may recognize:

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heed counsel is wise.” “A fool’s wrath is known at once, but a prudent man covers shame” (Proverbs 12:15-16).

He even gives us wisdom to know the righteous ruler apart from the wicked scoffers:

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2). “The king establishes the land by justice, but he who receives bribes overthrows it” (Proverbs 29:4). “The righteous considers the cause of the poor, but the wicked does not understand such knowledge” (Proverbs 29:7).

But how can one even begin to contend with such a person? After all, If a wise man contends with a foolish man, whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace” (Proverbs 29:9).

The one thing that we can count on, is that we will know what such a person is thinking because “A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back” (Proverbs 29:11). There is no shortage of venting these days. It makes me wonder if the counselors have given up on counsel and is waiving the hand of neglect.  They have allowed pride to overrule wisdom and injustice to reign unrestrained. Who will through the flag of caution and who will impart wisdom? “A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor” (Proverbs 29:23).

Many of us blindly follow unjust leaders, even as they take the broad road to destruction without regard for others. The Lord also provides wisdom for this; “Many seek the ruler’s favor, but justice for man comes from the Lord” (Proverbs 29:26). Herein rests the answer to all of life’s questions; “Justice comes from the Lord”. 

To whom are you looking for justice, peace, safety, and sustenance? Don’t put your hopes and trust in man and don’t listen to those who follow a prideful misguided leader. The words of a liar carry less weight than the feathers of a baby bird; even truth that flows from lying lips  misleads those who head it. How can we trust those in authority (spiritual and secular) over us if they lie constantly, or uphold the lies of another?

I will just end with this, “The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray” (Proverbs 12:26).