1810 Poem by William Blake
Deceiver, Dissembler. Your trousers are alight. From what polls or gallows shall they dangle in the night?
The concept Blake is teaching here is that if you are a liar eventually everyone will know, like pants on fire on a flag pole at night everyone can see it. It will not last Pro. 12:19
Jesus hates a “lying tongue” Proverbs 6:17 Why? Because He is truth and Satan native tongue is lies John 8:44
“A lie has no legs. It requires other lies to support it. Tell one lie and you are forced to tell others to back it up. Stretching the truth won't make it last any longer. Those that think it permissible to tell white lies soon grow colorblind”. Austin O'Malley
1. Why do we lie?
-Protect ourselves
- Embarrassed of the truth
- Consequences, we want to avoid consequences of the things we have did or said
If you are trying to protect yourself take heart to this verse Pro. 19:5+9
-Pride: we want to look good or promote ourselves
If you have pride issues take this verse to heart. Proverbs 30:8 Agur wrote this as a prayer against his own pride.
-Afraid to offend or hurt someone:
A manager was asked by his laziest employee for a recommendation for another job. The manager thought hard all night for something that would be honest without hurting the young man's chances. He finally wrote: "You will be lucky if you can get him to work for you."
I am not advocating being callous or harsh but look at the example of Jesus when he dealt with people. Two examples 1. Rich young ruler, Jesus knew his hang up, but He told him the truth because He knew the man would never trust Him if he was trusting his wealth. 2. The women who was brought out to be stoned, he had compassion but told her the truth.
If you have afraid to offend or hurt issues take heed to this passage Pro.27:6
-Becomes something we cannot control
From the French Enlightenment essayist, Michel de Montaigne, based on a proverb traced to the fourth century church father Jerome:
Lying is indeed an accursed vice. We have relations with one another only by speech. If we recognized the horror and gravity of an untruth, we should more justifiably punish it than any other crime. I commonly find people taking the most ill-advised pains to correct their children for their harmless faults, and worrying them about heedless acts which leave no trace and have no consequences. Lying, in my opinion, we should consistently oppose. They grow with a child's growth, and once the tongue has got the knack of lying, it is difficult to imagine how impossible it is to correct it.
2. Identifying a liar
-There always seems to be a reason to question them Pro. 17:20 You can’t trust them
“When regard for truth has been broken down or even slightly weakened, all things will remain doubtful” . Augustine.
“What upsets me is not that you lied to me, but that from now on I can no longer believe you”. Friedrich Nietzsche
-They are always looking for dishonest and shady ways to make money or get a head in life. Pro. 21:6
-Manipulate you with flattering words, Books about communication skills are many times about manipulation skills Pro. 6:24,
Unfortunately this has become things taught in leadership and church leadership books. I am not condemning all of this I am just saying be careful that the advice you follow is not encouraging you to be deceptive in any way.
Some of you may remember what Bill Clinton said when on trial questioned about inappropriate relationships with an intern “it depends what the meaning of the word “is” is”. Manipulation and trying to say based on my vocabulary I did not lie.
A store manager heard his clerk tell a customer, "No, ma'am, we haven't had any for a while, and it doesn't look as if we'll be getting any soon." Horrified, the manager came running over to the customer and said, "Of course we'll have some soon. We placed an order last week." Then the manager drew the clerk aside. "Never," he snarled, "Never, never, never say we're out of anything--say we've got it on order and it's coming. Now, what was it she wanted?" "Rain," said the clerk
3. What we are communicating when we lie
-False information Proverbs 14:5 Communicate truth GOSPEL
-Hatred Pro. 26:28 You don’t love the person enough to be truthful with them. That is why in dating a marital relationships when the trust is broken love is not communicated.
-You will take bad advice, you are not credible or discerning Pro. 17:4
4. Overcoming lies
I don’t believe that there is a 3 or 5 step plan for not lying.
The Bible is plain and simple “speak the truth in love” and ask Jesus everyday to help you do it. Not half the truth, not only the part that will not offend. The truth, one of Jesus’ favorite sayings is “I tell you the truth”
Conclusion Pro. 18:21 Love the truth
Monday, July 20, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Proverbs: Gossip "Open Mouth Insert Foot"
-Intro for the 5
Last week I mentioned that Proverbs are not necessarily promises but trueisms 9 out of 10 times
I also mentioned that these are directives that help us in everyday life.
By and large when proverbs or any other book of the Bible refers to the tongue it is speaking about what we say
Jesus says in Matt 12:34 & 15:18 out of overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
The wisdom of the book of Proverbs tells us what we should or should not talk about or say.
Over the next two weeks we are talking about “The Tongue”
-End of 5 intro
What we say has amazing power, power to encourage, build up, inspire, communicate truth and express positive things to one another.
But what we say also has amazing power to discourage, tear down, deceive and express negative things to one another
Gossip- idle talk or rumor, esp. about the personal or private affairs of others:
*Why do we gossip? Pro. 18:8 & 26:22
-It makes us feel important, we know something, that is why social media websites are so popular
-In a sick and sinful way it makes us feel good to talk about the misfortunes of others, We think it makes us look better when we make others look worse. But on the contrary it makes you look like a gossip
-Maybe it is jealousy or envy.
-It may be deeper, maybe we are not willing to confront someone who has hurt so we talk about them to other people. It is natural to talk about what is going on in our lives and when we have problems with other people we need to work them out and not confronting and talking with them about the situation almost forces us to talk to others about the problem
*What is the damage of gossip? Pro. 11:13 & 20:19 same verse
-Ruins the trust you have in a them
-Regret- A Greek sage once said I have often regretted my speech, never my silence."
-You can’t always make things right ***A man had told so many malicious untruths about the local rabbi that, overcome by remorse, he begged the rabbi to forgive him. "And, Rabbi, tell me how I can make amends." The rabbi sighed, "Take two pillows, go to the public square and there cut the pillows open. Wave them in the air. Then come back." The man quickly went home, got two pillows and a knife, hurried to the square, cut the pillows open, waved them in the air and hurried back to the rabbi's chambers. "I did just what you said, Rabbi!" "Good." The rabbi smiled. "Now, to realize how much harm is done by gossip, go back to the square..." "And?" "And collect all your feathers."
*The benefit of not gossiping? Pro. 26:20
-Things get worked out and do not escalate.
-You don’t ruin your reputation
So what do you need to do before we open our mouth. The book of James tells us that controlling our speech is one of the biggest challenges.
THINK about what you are going to say
Is it true? Pro. 15:2
Is it helpful? Pro. 12:18
Is it inspiring? Pro. 15:4
Is it necessary? Pro. 21:23
Is it kind? Pro. 31:26
Two traps that we can fall into when applying this to our lives…
-People error on the side of too cautious and don’t say anything about anyone
-People who justify everything and come up with a good reason for their gossip
Bottom line is takes wisdom and prayer to guard your words and say what needs to be said.
Last week I mentioned that Proverbs are not necessarily promises but trueisms 9 out of 10 times
I also mentioned that these are directives that help us in everyday life.
By and large when proverbs or any other book of the Bible refers to the tongue it is speaking about what we say
Jesus says in Matt 12:34 & 15:18 out of overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
The wisdom of the book of Proverbs tells us what we should or should not talk about or say.
Over the next two weeks we are talking about “The Tongue”
-End of 5 intro
What we say has amazing power, power to encourage, build up, inspire, communicate truth and express positive things to one another.
But what we say also has amazing power to discourage, tear down, deceive and express negative things to one another
Gossip- idle talk or rumor, esp. about the personal or private affairs of others:
*Why do we gossip? Pro. 18:8 & 26:22
-It makes us feel important, we know something, that is why social media websites are so popular
-In a sick and sinful way it makes us feel good to talk about the misfortunes of others, We think it makes us look better when we make others look worse. But on the contrary it makes you look like a gossip
-Maybe it is jealousy or envy.
-It may be deeper, maybe we are not willing to confront someone who has hurt so we talk about them to other people. It is natural to talk about what is going on in our lives and when we have problems with other people we need to work them out and not confronting and talking with them about the situation almost forces us to talk to others about the problem
*What is the damage of gossip? Pro. 11:13 & 20:19 same verse
-Ruins the trust you have in a them
-Regret- A Greek sage once said I have often regretted my speech, never my silence."
-You can’t always make things right ***A man had told so many malicious untruths about the local rabbi that, overcome by remorse, he begged the rabbi to forgive him. "And, Rabbi, tell me how I can make amends." The rabbi sighed, "Take two pillows, go to the public square and there cut the pillows open. Wave them in the air. Then come back." The man quickly went home, got two pillows and a knife, hurried to the square, cut the pillows open, waved them in the air and hurried back to the rabbi's chambers. "I did just what you said, Rabbi!" "Good." The rabbi smiled. "Now, to realize how much harm is done by gossip, go back to the square..." "And?" "And collect all your feathers."
*The benefit of not gossiping? Pro. 26:20
-Things get worked out and do not escalate.
-You don’t ruin your reputation
So what do you need to do before we open our mouth. The book of James tells us that controlling our speech is one of the biggest challenges.
THINK about what you are going to say
Is it true? Pro. 15:2
Is it helpful? Pro. 12:18
Is it inspiring? Pro. 15:4
Is it necessary? Pro. 21:23
Is it kind? Pro. 31:26
Two traps that we can fall into when applying this to our lives…
-People error on the side of too cautious and don’t say anything about anyone
-People who justify everything and come up with a good reason for their gossip
Bottom line is takes wisdom and prayer to guard your words and say what needs to be said.
Proverbs: Wisdom "Oh A Wise Guy"
Topical through Proverbs: Some intro of the book of Proverbs
The book of proverbs is primarily about living a wise life and teaching others (children) to do the same.
Author is Solomon, wisest man that ever walked the earth for the bulk of the book, but there were others who contributed such as Agur and Lemuel and assistants to King Hezikiah
The introduction of the book is actually the first 9 chapters
It is not a book exclusively religious, its teachings apply to human problems. These are life situations that individuals go through.
Proverbs are not all promises but there are many “Trueisms” “As a general rule of thumb” Ex. Pro. 22:6 Train child, old depart
Proverbs are usually addressed to “The son” not literal son
Historically this was a king training his son the next king
“my son” refers to disciples in rabbinic world the great teachers are called “fathers”
In both OT and NT God never says give it your best shot He says “Be perfect”
First topic which encompasses the entire book
Wisdom the word is used 47 times in the book and the word wise is used 66 times
What is wisdom?
Wisdom- knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; discernment, or insight.
Wise- having the power of discerning and judging properly as to what is true or right; possessing discernment, judgment, or discretion.
In Proverbs Wisdom as a women in chapter 8 and 9 Chapter 8 the value of wisdom Personification in Proverbs 31 “The wife” a women in the most ideal situation you can have.
Chapter 31 is the ABC’s of wisdom
Don’t confuse book smarts with wisdom. I know people that are vats of useless information because they never apply it to life.
What is important about wisdom?
1. God is in control of who has wisdom. Pro. 2:5-7, 21:30
2. Brings happiness Pro. 3:13
3. It the principle thing. Pro. 4:7
4. Is worth getting and protecting. Pro. 4:5, 8:11, 16:16
5. Brings healing. Pro. 12:18
What does wisdom look like in everyday life?
1. Someone who is not constantly paying for bad decisions Pro. 10:13
2. What they say is helpful to others Pro. 10:31
3. Humility Pro. 11:2
4. People notice Pro. 12:8 if no one comes to you for advice
5. Gives self confidence Pro. 19:8
6. Makes your parents happy Pro. 29:3, 15:20
7. Works for the Lord. Pro. 11:30
8. Is productive Pro. 14:21
9. Not sinning out of anger. Pro. 29:8-11 ill: guy at gas station and glasses
How to get wisdom?
1. Wisdom begins with fearing the Lord. Pro 9:10
2. Follows God’s Word Pro. 16:20
3. Responds to discipline 29:15, 13:1, 21:11
4. Choose wise people to be around. Pro.13:20
5. Sacrifice. Pro. 23:23
6. Listening Pro. 1:4, 3:7, 8:33, 15:31, 19:20
7. Retraining speech 10:19, 17:28
8. A lifelong learner Pro. 9:9
The book of proverbs is primarily about living a wise life and teaching others (children) to do the same.
Author is Solomon, wisest man that ever walked the earth for the bulk of the book, but there were others who contributed such as Agur and Lemuel and assistants to King Hezikiah
The introduction of the book is actually the first 9 chapters
It is not a book exclusively religious, its teachings apply to human problems. These are life situations that individuals go through.
Proverbs are not all promises but there are many “Trueisms” “As a general rule of thumb” Ex. Pro. 22:6 Train child, old depart
Proverbs are usually addressed to “The son” not literal son
Historically this was a king training his son the next king
“my son” refers to disciples in rabbinic world the great teachers are called “fathers”
In both OT and NT God never says give it your best shot He says “Be perfect”
First topic which encompasses the entire book
Wisdom the word is used 47 times in the book and the word wise is used 66 times
What is wisdom?
Wisdom- knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; discernment, or insight.
Wise- having the power of discerning and judging properly as to what is true or right; possessing discernment, judgment, or discretion.
In Proverbs Wisdom as a women in chapter 8 and 9 Chapter 8 the value of wisdom Personification in Proverbs 31 “The wife” a women in the most ideal situation you can have.
Chapter 31 is the ABC’s of wisdom
Don’t confuse book smarts with wisdom. I know people that are vats of useless information because they never apply it to life.
What is important about wisdom?
1. God is in control of who has wisdom. Pro. 2:5-7, 21:30
2. Brings happiness Pro. 3:13
3. It the principle thing. Pro. 4:7
4. Is worth getting and protecting. Pro. 4:5, 8:11, 16:16
5. Brings healing. Pro. 12:18
What does wisdom look like in everyday life?
1. Someone who is not constantly paying for bad decisions Pro. 10:13
2. What they say is helpful to others Pro. 10:31
3. Humility Pro. 11:2
4. People notice Pro. 12:8 if no one comes to you for advice
5. Gives self confidence Pro. 19:8
6. Makes your parents happy Pro. 29:3, 15:20
7. Works for the Lord. Pro. 11:30
8. Is productive Pro. 14:21
9. Not sinning out of anger. Pro. 29:8-11 ill: guy at gas station and glasses
How to get wisdom?
1. Wisdom begins with fearing the Lord. Pro 9:10
2. Follows God’s Word Pro. 16:20
3. Responds to discipline 29:15, 13:1, 21:11
4. Choose wise people to be around. Pro.13:20
5. Sacrifice. Pro. 23:23
6. Listening Pro. 1:4, 3:7, 8:33, 15:31, 19:20
7. Retraining speech 10:19, 17:28
8. A lifelong learner Pro. 9:9
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