Proverbs 12:22
Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.
Lying lips are detestable to the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the moral character of God, who values truth and integrity. In biblical context, lying is consistently condemned (Exodus 20:16, Proverbs 6:16-19). The Hebrew word for "detestable" is often used to describe things that are abominable or repulsive to God, indicating a strong divine disapproval. In ancient Israel, truthfulness was essential for maintaining community trust and justice, as seen in the legal systems and covenant relationships. The cultural context of the time placed a high value on oaths and truthful speech, reflecting God's own nature as truthful and faithful (Numbers 23:19, John 14:6).

but those who deal faithfully are His delight
This phrase contrasts the negative view of lying with the positive view of faithfulness. "Deal faithfully" implies a consistent and reliable character, aligning with God's own faithfulness (Deuteronomy 7:9, Lamentations 3:22-23). The term "delight" suggests that God takes pleasure in those who embody truth and integrity, reflecting His own attributes. This aligns with the biblical theme that God rewards righteousness and integrity (Psalm 18:25, Matthew 25:21). Faithfulness is a key aspect of the covenant relationship between God and His people, and it is a characteristic of Jesus Christ, who is described as faithful and true (Revelation 19:11).

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God in the Old Testament, emphasizing His eternal existence and faithfulness to His promises.

2. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, known for his wisdom and leadership as the king of Israel.

3. Israel
The nation to whom the Proverbs were originally given, serving as a guide for righteous living.

4. The Wise and the Foolish
Throughout Proverbs, these two archetypes represent those who follow God's ways versus those who reject them.

5. The Community of Believers
The intended audience for the teachings of Proverbs, both in ancient times and today.
Teaching Points
The Nature of God and Truth
God is inherently truthful, and as His followers, we are called to reflect His character by speaking truthfully.

The Consequences of Lying
Lying is not only a sin against others but is detestable to God, damaging our relationship with Him and others.

The Blessing of Faithfulness
Those who deal faithfully are a delight to God, bringing blessings and favor in their lives and relationships.

Cultivating Integrity
Integrity involves consistency in truthfulness, both in words and actions, fostering trust and respect.

Practical Steps to Avoid Lying
Regular self-examination, accountability, and prayer can help us overcome the temptation to lie and grow in truthfulness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's nature as truthful influence our approach to honesty in daily life?

2. In what ways can lying damage our relationships with others and with God?

3. How can we cultivate a habit of truthfulness in a culture that often values deception?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our words and actions align with God's standard of truthfulness?

5. How do the teachings in Proverbs 12:22 connect with the New Testament instructions on honesty and integrity?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 20:16
The commandment against bearing false witness highlights the importance of truthfulness, aligning with the condemnation of lying lips.

Ephesians 4:25
Paul instructs believers to put away falsehood and speak truthfully, reinforcing the principle found in Proverbs 12:22.

Psalm 15:1-2
Describes the character of those who may dwell in God's holy presence, emphasizing truthfulness and integrity.

John 8:44
Jesus describes the devil as the father of lies, contrasting the nature of God, who delights in truth.

Colossians 3:9-10
Encourages believers to put off the old self with its practices, including lying, and to put on the new self, which is renewed in knowledge.
LyingG. F. Prescott, M.A.Proverbs 12:22
On LyingAbp. Secker.Proverbs 12:22
Schoolboy HonourC. Voysey.Proverbs 12:22
The Bible Warning Against LyingR. Newton, D.D.Proverbs 12:22
The Nature, Malignity, and Pernicious Effects of Falsehood and LyingR. South, D.D.Proverbs 12:22
Virtues and Vices in Civil LifeE. Johnson Proverbs 12:12-22
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Abomination, TRUE, Act, Acts, Deal, Delight, Delights, Doers, Faithfully, Hated, Lips, Lying, Stedfast, Truly, Truth, Truthful
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 12:22

     1070   God, joy of
     1175   God, will of
     1461   truth, nature of
     5350   injustice, hated by God
     5549   speech, positive
     5550   speech, negative
     5830   delight
     5918   pleasure
     5951   slander
     6147   deceit, practice
     8460   pleasing God
     8715   dishonesty, and God
     8776   lies

Library
The Many-Sided Contrast of Wisdom and Folly
'Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. 2. A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. 3. A man shall not be established by wickedness; but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. 4. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. 5. The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. 6. The words of the wicked are to lie
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

April the Twenty-Second Speech as a Symptom of Health
"The tongue of the wise is health." --PROVERBS xii. 13-22. Our doctors often test our physical condition by the state of our tongue. With another and deeper significance the tongue is also the register of our condition. Our words are a perfect index of our moral and spiritual health. If our words are unclean and untrue, our souls are assuredly sickly and diseased. A perverse tongue is never allied with a sanctified heart. And, therefore, everyone may apply a clinical test to his own life: "What
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

To Pastors and Teachers
To Pastors and Teachers If all who laboured for the conversion of others were to introduce them immediately into Prayer and the Interior Life, and make it their main design to gain and win over the heart, numberless as well as permanent conversions would certainly ensue. On the contrary, few and transient fruits must attend that labour which is confined to outward matters; such as burdening the disciple with a thousand precepts for external exercises, instead of leaving the soul to Christ by the
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer

Of Having Confidence in God when Evil Words are Cast at Us
"My Son, stand fast and believe in Me. For what are words but words? They fly through the air, but they bruise no stone. If thou are guilty, think how thou wouldst gladly amend thyself; if thou knowest nothing against thyself, consider that thou wilt gladly bear this for God's sake. It is little enough that thou sometimes hast to bear hard words, for thou art not yet able to bear hard blows. And wherefore do such trivial matters go to thine heart, except that thou art yet carnal, and regardest
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Ninth Commandment
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.' Exod 20: 16. THE tongue which at first was made to be an organ of God's praise, is now become an instrument of unrighteousness. This commandment binds the tongue to its good behaviour. God has set two natural fences to keep in the tongue, the teeth and lips; and this commandment is a third fence set about it, that it should not break forth into evil. It has a prohibitory and a mandatory part: the first is set down in plain words, the other
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
2 Tim. iii. 16.--"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." We told you that there was nothing more necessary to know than what our end is, and what the way is that leads to that end. We see the most part of men walking at random,--running an uncertain race,--because they do not propose unto themselves a certain scope to aim at, and whither to direct their whole course. According to men's particular
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and all These Things Shall be Added unto You. "
Matth. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." The perfection even of the most upright creature, speaks always some imperfection in comparison of God, who is most perfect. The heavens, the sun and moon, in respect of lower things here, how glorious do they appear, and without spot! But behold, they are not clean in God's sight! How far are the angels above us who dwell in clay! They appear to be a pure mass of light and
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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