What are the consequences of not giving "an honest answer" in relationships? Truth’s Warm Embrace “An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.” (Proverbs 24:26) In Solomon’s picture, truth functions like an affectionate, respectful kiss—drawing two people closer, honoring them, and confirming mutual goodwill. Take the kiss away and something vital disappears. That absence reveals the price tag attached to dishonesty. Where Dishonesty Takes Us • Trust Erodes – “A lying tongue lasts only a moment.” (Proverbs 12:19) – Without reliability, people brace for betrayal instead of leaning in for connection. • Communication Breaks Down – “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are members of one another.” (Ephesians 4:25) – Members of one body can’t function when false signals travel through the nerves. • Emotional Distance Grows – Dishonesty forces loved ones to question motives and interpret hidden meanings. The warmth of “a kiss on the lips” gets replaced by guarded suspicion. • Conflict Escalates – “Like a club or sword or sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor.” (Proverbs 25:18) – Lies become weapons; wounds multiply. Arguments that truth could have settled drag on indefinitely. • Reputations Crumble – “A righteous man hates lies, but a wicked man is odious and comes to shame.” (Proverbs 13:5) – Once labeled unreliable, opportunities shrink: friendships cool, leadership doors close, testimonies weaken. • Consciences Grow Calloused – “A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth causes ruin.” (Proverbs 26:28) – Repeated deception numbs compassion, making it easier to hurt people we should love. • Fellowship with God Suffers – “Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices.” (Colossians 3:9) – Lying pulls us back toward the “old self,” grieving the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) and dampening prayer (Psalm 66:18). • Divine Discipline Arrives – “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.” (Galatians 6:7) – Harvest time always comes, whether in exposed secrets, broken alliances, or lost influence. Why Honesty Heals • Restores trust—one truthful conversation at a time • Reopens lines of clear, unguarded communication • Invites genuine intimacy instead of staged appearances • Prevents needless conflict and accelerates reconciliation • Builds a testimony that makes the gospel believable • Keeps the conscience tender and responsive to the Spirit • Protects fellowship with God and with His people Practical Next Steps 1. Review every pending conversation: “Have I shaded the facts?” 2. Confess any dishonesty quickly (1 John 1:9). 3. Replace vague or evasive speech with transparent words (Matthew 5:37). 4. Invite accountability—give trusted believers permission to ask hard questions. 5. Celebrate the freedom that flows when a relationship once again feels like a warm, honest kiss rather than a cold, guarded stare. |
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