1. HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY
PROVERBS 12:17-23

2. Proverbs 12:17-23 He who speaks truth declares righteousness,
But a false witness, deceit.
There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise promotes health.
The truthful lip shall be established forever,
But a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
But counselors of peace have joy.
No grave trouble will overtake the righteous,
But the wicked shall be filled with evil.
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,
But those who deal truthfully are His delight.
A prudent man conceals knowledge,
But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.

3. Proverbs 12:17-23
What the wise man proclaims: righteousness What the liar hides: deceit Contrast effect on men: hurt vs. health Contrast of duration: forever vs. a moment Contrast of hearts: evil vs. peace Contrast of consequences: no trouble vs. evil Contrast effect on God: abomination vs. delight What the wise man hides: knowledge What fools proclaim: foolishness

4. God HATES Lying!
4/26/2015
Prov 6:17-19
A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.
Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight. 11:1
We must hate lying, too! 13:5; Ps. 119:104

5. The Destructiveness of Lying
Being sneaky is a form of lying 10:18
A wicked messenger falls into trouble 13:17
Faithful vs. unfaithful witness 14:5; 19:28 even if he deserves it? 24:28; 25:18
Honesty saves souls 14:25
Lying breeds more lying 17:4
Those with power have more responsibility to tell the truth 17:7
Lying is self-destructive 17:20; 19:4,9

6. The Destructiveness of Lying
Odd contrast in 19:22 What is the point?
Prov. 3:27-28
Observation on selfishness 20:14
Short term benefit  long term suffering 20:17; 21:6
Long term damage 21:28 the lie lives longer than the liar
Empty boasting 25:14
“I was just kidding!” 26:18-19

7. The Destructiveness of Lying

8. The Destructiveness of Lying and God’s Solution

9. The Destructiveness of Lying and God’s Solution
Pretend enthusiasm 26:23
Hidden hatred 26:24-26; 29:25
Crushes others 26:28
Negative effect of believing lies 29:12
Genesis 3, 1 Kings 13, 2 Thess. 2:9-12
Love and believe, and obey the truth John 8:31-32; Heb. 5:8-9; Acts 2:38