Topical Bible: Lying: Folly of Concealing Hatred By

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Lying, as a deliberate act of deception, is consistently condemned throughout the Scriptures. It is not merely the act of speaking falsehoods but also includes the intention to deceive others, which can manifest in various forms, including the concealment of hatred. The Bible provides clear guidance on the folly of such actions, emphasizing the moral and spiritual consequences of lying.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 10:18 · "He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool." This verse highlights the connection between lying and the concealment of hatred. It suggests that hiding animosity through deceitful words is not only dishonest but also foolish. The act of concealing hatred through lies is seen as a moral failing that ultimately leads to one's downfall.

2. Proverbs 26:24-26 · "A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly." These verses warn against trusting those who use lies to mask their true feelings of hatred. The passage underscores the inevitability of truth being revealed, despite attempts to hide it through deceit.

3. Psalm 55:21 · "His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are softer than oil, yet they are drawn swords." This imagery illustrates the danger of deceitful speech that conceals malicious intent. The psalmist warns of the destructive power of words that appear gentle but are rooted in hidden animosity.

4. Jeremiah 9:8 · "Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceitfully. With his mouth, one speaks peace to his neighbor, but inwardly he sets an ambush." Jeremiah condemns those who use their words to deceive, presenting a facade of peace while harboring ill intentions. This duplicity is likened to a deadly weapon, emphasizing the harm that concealed hatred can cause.

Moral and Spiritual Implications:

The act of lying to conceal hatred is not only a breach of trust but also a violation of the commandment to love one's neighbor (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39). It reflects a heart that is not aligned with the truth and righteousness that God desires. The Scriptures teach that God detests lying lips (Proverbs 12:22) and that truthfulness is a hallmark of a life transformed by His Spirit (Ephesians 4:25).

Furthermore, the concealment of hatred through lies can lead to a hardened heart, distancing the individual from God and others. It fosters an environment of mistrust and discord, contrary to the unity and peace that believers are called to pursue (Ephesians 4:3).

Practical Considerations:

Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts and motives, seeking to align their speech with the truth. Confession and repentance are vital steps in addressing the sin of lying and concealed hatred. By embracing honesty and transparency, individuals can foster genuine relationships and reflect the character of Christ, who is the embodiment of truth (John 14:6).

In summary, the Bible clearly portrays the folly of using lies to conceal hatred, urging believers to pursue truth and love in all their interactions.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 10:18
He that hides hatred with lying lips, and he that utters a slander, is a fool.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
... are terms equivalent; sin and folly do signify the ... the wise man affirmeth, "A lying
tongue hateth ... conniving at real defects, and concealing assured miscarriages ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part 2.htm

This HomilyWas Delivered on the Occasion of the Prefect Entering ...
... to your Charity many things concerning the snares lying on all ... to this; that it is
the extreme of folly to swear ... to them, and by this means concealing the snare ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xvi this homily was.htm

Book vi. It is with a Full Knowledge of the Dangers and Passions ...
... I shall shew that this very means of concealing the deadliness ... What blasphemous madness
and pitiful folly is it, that ... is the Son of God; you, lying bishop of ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book vi it is with.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iii.
... when I heard that this kind of folly had forced ... of holiness is always surprising
and lying in wait ... of the passers-by, the evening darkness concealing one who ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 3.htm

On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians
... study of divine things themselves, but lay folly to the ... with all power, and signs,
and lying wonders." (2 ... consider to be false, in not concealing that which ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/oration v on reconciling religious.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... Such is the folly or stupidity under which they labour, that they have the hardihood ...
By this rule hypocrisy and the device of lying to God are restrained, nay ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... In the second book, in commenting on the words "Wherefore, putting away lying, speak
every man truth to his neighbour, for we are members one of another ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... He rushed into folly because all consented to his hypocrisy; we, however, did ... or
rashly swearing; or forfeiting his plighted word; or lying from bashfulness or ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

part i
... of men now, as of old, tries in every way to destroy men by his lying, and by ... to
money or to honours"or who has in his heart passions such as hatred or envy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm