Scripture for Today: Proverbs 12:22 “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”

Who would have thought it, that there is a National Day that encourages honesty! It was created by author and former press secretary, Hirsh Goldberg in the early 1990’s. He chose this date to counteract April Fool’s Day. This day also marks the first inauguration of George Washington (who was thought to have never told a lie). The idea is to ask each other questions and be ready for some surprisingly different answers! This day would not be needed had we all Pinocchio noses that grew with our lies!

Today’s verse lets us know what the Lord thinks of lying. Not surprisingly, the Holy One who is Himself, Truth, detests lies. The motive behind the lie does not seem to figure in to His view. The word “detests” is also translated “extremely disgusted.” In fact, lying is mentioned twice in that list of seven sins detestable to the Lord! (Prov. 6:16-19) Just as intense as His disgust is His delight in those who make the hard choice to speak and deal honestly. The Lord delights in those who fear Him (Ps.147:11) and we show that fear by our obedience.

I am embarrassed to admit that I do not always have the high standards of trustworthiness that God requires. It is too easy for me to rate lies and treat less seriously those “little white lies” or those half truths. I can rationalize leaving out an important detail that would deceive the one listening. I can intentionally give someone a totally false idea but not class it as an outright lie! I may not get caught in the lie. But I do feel a distance from the One who is Truth.

Lord, may I feel Your delight by being trustworthy today.