Corruption and lies have become the modus operandi for the United States government and American society in general. We live in a culture of deception where image and political correctness reign while Truth, Justice, Virtue and Honor are all but extinct.
Our reading of Proverbs 14:5 reminds us that a man’s nature and character are consistent.
Proverbs 14:5 – “A faithful witness [true, trustworthy] will not lie [deceive or mislead]: but a false witness [deceiver] will utter lies [falsehoods].”
An honest, “faithful witness will not lie”, deceive or knowingly mislead, while a “false witness”, true to his character—is a liar! That does not mean that a “false witness” will never tell the truth; however, it is his nature to deceive and “utter lies” (14:5b). His conscience is seared, his heart callused; he cares only for himself and his interests. It matters little to a liar what lives he has ruined by his predilection for lies and innuendoes. He is, as Christ said, the child of the devil who, like his father [the devil] “is a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44).
I sorrow to confess that the church is not immune from the influence of this society’s
bent for lies and deceit. We object to the lies of politicians and the injustices of rogue judges, but how many church members and leaders practice the same with their “little white lies” and lack of transparency. Too many portray loyalty and fidelity while eroding their marriage, family, employers and peers with fraud and dishonesty. It takes only one lie to be a false witness; however, a “faithful witness will not lie” (14:5a).
Our second proverb is Proverbs 14:6.
Proverbs 14:6 – “A scorner [scoffer; mocker] seeketh [enquires; begs for] wisdom, and findeth it not [seeks for wisdom in vain]: but knowledge is easy [easily acquired] unto him that understandeth [teachable].”
A scorner may be a man of letters and his wall adorned with degrees and honors; however, he is not a man of wisdom! Intelligent, talented and genius might be accolades attributed to a scorner, but Fool is God’s summary of his nature and character.
Psalm 14:1 – “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.”
The scorner is a fool because he denies God. He pursues and cannot get wisdom because he lacks the pre-requisite of those who attain her—“the fear of the Lord” (Prov. 1:7).
Prov 1:7 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Those who fear and revere God have hearts that are receptive and tender to His Word. They acquire discernment and understand God’s Truth because they “do His commandments” (Ps. 111:10).
Job 28:28 – “And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”
If you struggle making right decisions and wonder why you keep making the same foolish mistakes—I urge you to check your attitude! Are you open to godly instruction? Do you seek the counsel of godly men and women? Do you walk in the fear of God, conscious that He knows your heart?
Psalms 111:10 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments: his praise endureth for ever.”