Topical Bible: Kings: Specially Warned Against: Lying

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Throughout the Bible, kings and rulers are held to a high standard of truthfulness and integrity. The role of a king is not only to govern but also to serve as a moral exemplar for the people. Lying, therefore, is particularly condemned as it undermines justice, erodes trust, and leads to the downfall of both the ruler and the nation.

Biblical Warnings and Examples:

1. Proverbs on Truthfulness:
The Book of Proverbs, often attributed to King Solomon, provides wisdom on the importance of truth. Proverbs 16:12 states, "Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, for a throne is established through righteousness." This verse underscores that a king's authority and stability are founded on righteous conduct, which includes honesty.

2. The Example of King Saul:
King Saul's reign is marked by instances where deceit led to his downfall. In 1 Samuel 15, Saul disobeys God's command to completely destroy the Amalekites and their possessions. When confronted by the prophet Samuel, Saul lies about his obedience, saying, "I have carried out the LORD’s instructions" (1 Samuel 15:13). This act of deceit results in God rejecting Saul as king.

3. The Deception of King Ahab:
King Ahab's reign is another example where lying leads to disaster. In 1 Kings 22, Ahab seeks to reclaim Ramoth-gilead and consults his prophets, who falsely assure him of victory. The prophet Micaiah, however, reveals the truth that Ahab will be defeated. Ahab's disregard for the truth and reliance on falsehoods ultimately lead to his death in battle.

4. The Command to Speak Truth:
In the New Testament, the call for truthfulness is reiterated. Ephesians 4:25 instructs, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another." While directed at all believers, this command is especially pertinent to leaders, who must model truthfulness.

5. The Consequences of Lying:
The Bible consistently warns that lying leads to severe consequences. Proverbs 19:9 declares, "A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will perish." For kings, the stakes are even higher, as their lies can lead to national calamity and divine judgment.

Theological Implications:

The biblical narrative emphasizes that God values truth and despises deceit. Kings, as God's appointed leaders, are expected to reflect His character by upholding truth. Lying not only damages the king's relationship with God but also harms the people they are meant to serve. The integrity of a king is crucial for maintaining justice and righteousness in the land, as seen in the repeated biblical admonitions against deceitful practices.

In summary, the Bible provides clear warnings to kings against lying, highlighting the spiritual, moral, and practical dangers of deceit. Through the examples of Saul, Ahab, and the wisdom literature, Scripture underscores the necessity for truthfulness in leadership.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 17:7
Excellent speech becomes not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge"
... The Israelites had been specially charged not to lose sight of ... go over Jordan to
possess it," he warned them; "ye ... Christ shall appear as King of kings and Lord ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 24 destroyed for lack.htm

1 Thess. 2:1-2. "For Kings. "
... and intercessions for all men," and specially "for kings ... Seldom advised, seldom
contradicted, seldom warned, they dwell in ... we may well "pray for kings." It is ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xxi 1 thess 2 1-2.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... to be set apart; and this is specially confirmed by ... wish to avoid exciting ill-will
against themselves ... on the words "Wherefore, putting away lying, speak every ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... Chastity, specially called holiness, [912]342; blessing of keeping till marriage ...
1099]ib.; their steadfastness in faith, [1100]281; warned against their notion ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ...
... do so, when He said: "The kings of the ... be relieved from preaching and confession,
unless specially required to ... interfered with and the people warned against it ...
/.../iii twenty-seven articles respecting the.htm

The Second vision "On Earth"
... 1 Kings 22:22 ... They do speak; and hence speaking is specially excluded here ... No wonder
God has so solemnly warned us against these things, and no wonder such awful ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm

Egypt and Greece.
... or else because he had been specially commissioned to ... in the neighborhood of the
river warned the people ... character, like most of the Egyptian kings, threw his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter ii egypt and greece.htm

The Leaven.
... To the question what the woman specially represents in ... like manner, when the great
Teacher warned his followers ... Be wise now therefore, O ye kings; be instructed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/iv the leaven.htm

Luther's Separation from Rome.
... Luther refused them absolution, and warned them that ... had to reprove the great, kings,
princes, priests ... God employs to present truths specially applicable to ...
/.../7 luthers separation from rome.htm

Luther's Separation from Rome
... Luther refused them absolution, and warned them that ... had to reprove the great, kings,
princes, priests ... God employs to present truths specially applicable to ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 7 luthers separation from.htm