When I was young, I would often tell little lies. Sometimes I lied to try to stay out of trouble. Other times I lied to make myself look good. I remember getting caught in a lie in third grade. Our assignment was to give an oral book report on a book we had just read. I didn’t like to read so I completely made up the book report. After my oral report, the teacher asked me a couple questions about the book. Again I made up my answers. She wasn’t fooled at all and I received a failing grade.
Unfortunately I didn’t learn my lesson, but rather got more sophisticated in lying as I got older. It is funny but sad that we adults can deceive others and think we have done nothing wrong. Exaggeration is an accepted form of communication, but is still meant to deceive. Little white lies are considered harmless even when they are intended to hurt others.
God has a zero tolerance policy regarding lies and deceit. Psalm 101:7 says, “No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes.” God turns away from the person who tries to deceive others, no matter how innocent the lies may seem to us.
Reluctant Retiree 