What steps can we take to prevent "a lying tongue" in our speech? Recognize God’s Standard • Proverbs 6:16-17 – “There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood.” • Proverbs 12:22 – “Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.” • Ephesians 4:25 – “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are members of one another.” Knowing that God hates lying motivates us to treat every word as sacred. Invite the Holy Spirit to Guard Our Words • Psalm 141:3 – “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.” • James 3:8 – “but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” Practical step: Begin each day by consciously yielding your speech to the Spirit, asking Him to check you the moment a half-truth or exaggeration forms. Fill the Heart with Truth • Luke 6:45 – “For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” • Psalm 119:11 – “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” What goes in will come out. Saturate your mind with Scripture, Christ-centered music, and wholesome conversation so truth becomes your reflex. Practice Intentional Honesty in Everyday Situations Daily disciplines that train the tongue: – Give accurate answers even when a vague reply would be easier. – Refuse to shade a story to make yourself look better. – Return excess change or correct an invoice error immediately. – If you’re late, state the real reason instead of inventing traffic excuses. Small acts of honesty build a track record that strengthens you for harder tests. Develop Accountability • Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Invite a trusted believer to ask, “Were you completely truthful this week?” Openness disarms deceit before it starts. Repent Quickly When We Fail • Proverbs 28:13 – “He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.” • 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The moment you realize you’ve lied, own it, correct it, and seek forgiveness. Rapid repentance keeps the conscience tender and the tongue honest. Speak Words That Build Up • Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.” When our aim is to edify, deceit has no place. Make every sentence an instrument of grace. Summary Checklist ✓ Embrace God’s hatred of lying and His delight in truth. ✓ Surrender your tongue to the Holy Spirit daily. ✓ Stock your heart with Scripture. ✓ Practice precise honesty in the small things. ✓ Stay accountable with another believer. ✓ Confess and correct lies immediately. ✓ Choose speech that strengthens others. Walk these steps consistently, and “a lying tongue” will give way to lips that honor the Lord. |
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