Are Small Lies OK If The Gain Is Great?

They say "honesty is the best policy," but what if we make an exception once in a while? Is it OK to tell a little half-truth to get a big payout? What does the Bible Say?

"A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare."Proverbs 21:6. NIV.

LYING TONGUE
The words "lying tongue" is a poetic phrase that pictures any deceit or falsehood. This includes any practice or act of untruth or the smallest deception- what many call a white lie or a half truth. The Bible in many places condemns lying and giving false witness.* When we say something is such and such, or that we will do so and so it must be true.

FORTUNE
A fortune may not be a massive amount of wealth it may be any treasure even of a small monetary value; the standard is the same in all cases; if the value is one dollar or one billion then lies and half-truths are condemned.

A FLEETING VAPOR
In the desert lands where these proverbs were written you might see a mirage, shimmering lights that looked like water. The desperate thirsty traveler could chase these to his death. So we may think a truth spun to our advantage may quince our need but it is ourselves we are deceiving.
A vapor is an insubstantial mist that has no tangible substance, we cannot hold it, and melts on the wind. This cannot be possessed, and soon gone.

A DEATH TRAP
Why is a fortune a deadly snare? There are always consequences to telling half-truths and lies, like you get caught and people want restitution and more, but the most compelling reason that it is a deadly snare is because God says it is. If The Lord calls something a deadly snare it is foolish to act as if it wasn't.

*Proverbs 6:16-19 , Numbers 23:19 Leviticus 19:11 (Just a few references to support the point, the list is very long).

(c) Adron 2013

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope these post help. See my most helpful post in the sidebar. Adron

Use the buttons below to share this with your social networks.

What Does The Bible Say About Double Standards.

We want to get the most out of a bargain or we want to maximize our profit on a deal. We might think that we can change our behaviors for one situation and back for another. What does God feel about double standards?

The Bible says: "Differing weights and differing measures- the Lord detest them both." Proverbs 20:10, NIV 

IN ANCIENT TIMES
An ancient merchant might have two sets of weights one would be the accepted standard the other would be heavier or lighter so that he could weigh out the grain or whatever and take advantage of an unsuspecting customer. He might have a second set of baskets or barrels with a false shallower bottom to take advantage of the unsuspecting.

Some communities had a standard weight and measures for business with the locals and a second set to use on the foreigner.

These second weights were used to take an unfair advantage of someone either through deceit or double standard.

TODAY
Today a double standard might be to have a price for friends and another for strangers, or a kickback to get a bid.

GOD
God's stand on this is clear- He "detest" them. Detest is a strong word, it suggests a strong negative reaction, that is not the response you want to have from the Almighty. Neither you nor I can expect Heaven to look with favor to the use of any double standard.

YOU
We might feel that a shifting standard may lose opportunity and profit, but a double standard loses God's favor which is the greater loss. Those who name the Lord as their God and Savor must have the highest standard of honesty and fairness in all their doings. They reject double standards in favor of a higher standard that of pleasing God.

You might say that I can gain more profit by changing the rules when it suits the situation or you can say I will do business fairly before God and let God bring the profit- which is the greater profit.

Beyond These Dark Lands
Are Edges of Joy,
Words of Comfort and Hope
Poems by A.E. Dozat © 2018

What can you do for someone going through a difficult time? Here is a good gift to give someone who is going through a difficult time. If you are in need of encouragement or know someone who does you should order a copy today, you will glad you did. 

Use the Buy Now button for quick check out

$9.62 Plus $4.17 Basic Shipping

For digital downloads (PDF)  CLICK HERE.  $2.99.

© Adron 5/21/18