How can we discern truth from lies, as seen in Nehemiah 6:6? Setting the stage Nehemiah was rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall under constant opposition. Sanballat’s fifth letter was an open document—meant to spread rumors and pressure Nehemiah into fear and compromise. The lie exposed — Nehemiah 6:6 “It was written: ‘It is reported among the nations—and Geshem concurs—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt; therefore you are rebuilding the wall. Moreover, according to these reports you are about to become their king.’” Everything in the letter was fabricated. Nehemiah recognized this instantly and kept working. Why Nehemiah saw through the deception • He knew God’s explicit call (Nehemiah 2:18). • His character was consistent; rebellion contradicted everything he had said and done. • He measured the claim against known facts; the wall was defensive, not offensive. • He viewed the source: longtime enemies (Nehemiah 4:1–3) with a pattern of slander. • He took it to God immediately (Nehemiah 6:9). Timeless principles for discerning truth from lies • Compare every claim with Scripture. “The sum of Your word is truth” (Psalm 119:160). God’s Word is the ultimate plumb line. • Examine the fruit. Lies produce fear, confusion, and division; truth yields peace and righteousness (James 3:17–18). • Evaluate the messenger’s track record. “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit” (Matthew 7:18). Persistent deceit discredits the source. • Guard your mind through prayer. “Do not be anxious… but in everything, by prayer… present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6–7). Prayer sharpens spiritual perception. • Test the spirits. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). • Seek wise counsel. “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). • Stand firm on your God-given assignment. Sanballat’s accusation lost power because Nehemiah refused to abandon his mission (Nehemiah 6:3). Practical steps today 1. Daily Bible intake—truth saturates the mind and exposes counterfeits. 2. Quick, honest self-assessment—does the rumor match known reality? 3. Immediate prayer response—invite God’s perspective before reacting. 4. Wise, godly counsel—ask mature believers who know Scripture and your life. 5. Calm, factual rebuttal when necessary—Nehemiah replied, “Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are making it up out of your head” (Nehemiah 6:8). 6. Keep working—focus on obedience instead of distraction. Living in confidence Jesus declared, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Anchored in Him and fortified by the whole counsel of God’s Word, believers can spot lies, reject fear, and press on with the work He assigns—just as Nehemiah did. |
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