Topical Bible: Lying: Leads to Love of Impure Conversation

◄ Lying: Leads to Love of Impure Conversation ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Lying, as addressed in the Bible, is a sin that not only distorts truth but also corrupts the heart and mind, leading to further moral decay, including a love for impure conversation. The Scriptures consistently warn against deceit and highlight its destructive consequences on both individuals and communities.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible explicitly condemns lying as contrary to the nature of God, who is the embodiment of truth. Proverbs 12:22 states, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." This verse underscores the divine abhorrence of falsehood and the value placed on truthfulness.

Connection to Impure Conversation

Lying is often the gateway to other sins, including impure conversation. Ephesians 4:29 instructs, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." When individuals engage in lying, they open themselves to further corrupt communication, as deceit fosters an environment where truth is devalued, and impurity is tolerated.

Moral and Spiritual Consequences

The act of lying sears the conscience, making it easier to engage in and even enjoy impure conversation. James 3:6 describes the tongue as "a fire, a world of unrighteousness," highlighting how speech can defile the whole body and set the course of one's life on fire. Lying, therefore, is not an isolated sin but one that can lead to a broader acceptance and enjoyment of sinful speech.

Examples and Warnings

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who suffered due to lying and impure conversation. Ananias and Sapphira, in Acts 5, lied to the Holy Spirit and faced immediate judgment. Their account serves as a stark warning of the seriousness with which God views deceit and its potential to lead to further sin.

Call to Righteousness

Believers are called to reject lying and impure conversation, embracing instead a life of truth and purity. Colossians 3:9-10 exhorts, "Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." This transformation involves a commitment to truth and a rejection of all forms of corrupt communication.

Practical Application

To combat the tendency toward lying and impure conversation, Christians are encouraged to immerse themselves in Scripture, allowing God's Word to renew their minds and guide their speech. Psalm 19:14 offers a prayerful aspiration: "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." By seeking divine help, believers can cultivate a heart and tongue that reflect God's truth and purity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 17:4
A wicked doer gives heed to false lips; and a liar gives ear to a naughty tongue.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

He that is Unjust in the Least is Unjust Also in Much. Luke 16:10.
... it is not real honesty of heart which leads him to ... otherwise than they really are,
he is really lying, and the ... because it is truth, or from the love of truth. ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/he that is unjust in.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... bear iniquity, while the promises attest at once his infinite love of righteousness ...
the fathers under the Law was little else than hypocrisy, and leads us away ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Paul in Ephesus.
... mention of Apollos in the first verse, leads us back ... without having his mind elevated
by the love of truth ... they be conceived to work them, when lying in their ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxii paul in ephesus.htm

The Fourth Book
... right to say that the whole world is lying in wickedness ... be able to separate us from
the love of God ... is indecent, whatever is unworthy, whatever leads to injury ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the fourth book.htm

Epistle of Paul to the Philippians.
... dependence on that Divine Spirit, who alone leads into all ... common cause of the Lord,
the truth lying at the ... with the impatient zeal of a love not sufficiently ...
/.../epistle of paul to the.htm

V. ...
... Pontus is a large, broad region, lying on the sea. ... we may go on and follow wherever
He leads us; so ... Gospel by faith, and follow after it by love, and therefore ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter i v .htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... a child or stripling, he had but few equals for lying, swearing, and ... the fear of
future punishment, and not from that love to God which leads the Christian ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

part i
... in every way to destroy men by his lying, and by ... to the sin, and return to the road
that leads to life ... Furthermore, love every man as yourself"that is, do not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

part ii
... Woe unto him who doubts: the lying spirit shall darken ... good, great, bright, wise,
beneficent, instead of impure, despondent, languid ... Our life is love"yes, love ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... then go on in thy open way of lying, swearing, drinking ... rules that they profess to
know and love; for Jesus ... death and its awful consequences, This leads to the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm