Topical Bible: Lying: Unbecoming in Rulers

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Lying, as a moral and ethical failing, is particularly unbecoming in rulers and leaders, who are called to uphold justice, truth, and integrity. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and the detrimental effects of deceit, especially among those in positions of authority.

Biblical Condemnation of Lying in Leadership

The Scriptures provide numerous admonitions against lying, highlighting its incompatibility with righteous leadership. Proverbs 12:22 states, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." This verse underscores the divine disdain for falsehood and the value placed on truthfulness, a quality essential for rulers who are to reflect God's justice and righteousness.

The Role of Truth in Governance

Rulers are entrusted with the responsibility of leading their people with wisdom and integrity. Proverbs 16:12 declares, "Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, for a throne is established through righteousness." This passage suggests that the stability and legitimacy of a ruler's authority are grounded in righteousness, which is inherently linked to truthfulness.

Consequences of Deceitful Leadership

The Bible warns of the consequences that befall nations under deceitful rulers. Isaiah 32:1-8 contrasts the reign of a righteous king with the actions of deceitful leaders, illustrating how truth and justice lead to peace and security, while lies and corruption result in chaos and oppression. Verse 7 specifically notes, "The schemes of the scoundrel are wicked; he devises evil plans to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just."

Examples of Lying Leaders in Scripture

Several biblical narratives illustrate the pitfalls of lying among leaders. In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul's disobedience and subsequent deceit regarding the Amalekite spoils lead to his rejection by God. Saul's failure to adhere to God's command and his attempt to cover it with lies demonstrate the severe repercussions of deceit in leadership.

Similarly, in 2 Samuel 11, King David's attempt to conceal his sin with Bathsheba through deceitful means results in a series of tragic events, including the death of Uriah and the turmoil within David's own household. These accounts serve as cautionary tales about the destructive power of lies when wielded by those in authority.

The Call for Truthful Leadership

The Bible calls for leaders to embody truth and integrity, reflecting God's character in their governance. Psalm 101:7 declares, "No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who tells lies shall stand in my presence." This verse highlights the expectation that those who lead should be free from deceit, ensuring that their leadership is marked by honesty and transparency.

In conclusion, the biblical perspective on lying as unbecoming in rulers is clear: truthfulness is a foundational virtue for those in authority, essential for maintaining justice, righteousness, and the well-being of the people they serve.

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

Life at Herrnhut.
... the laws, or conducted themselves in an unbecoming, frivolous or ... thus anyone who
happened to be lying awake was ... circle alone, but for all rulers, all churches ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter iv life at herrnhut.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iii.
... to avoid submitting to something which is unbecoming or unworthy ... I used to deride
secular rulers, because in ... of holiness is always surprising and lying in wait ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 3.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
The Institutes of the Christian Religion. <. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Useful Phrases
... despondent exaggeration. despotic rulers. destructive radicalism. ... luxuriant richness.
lying equivocations. M. ... unbeaten track. unbecoming behavior. unbending reserve ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section i useful phrases.htm

On the Death of his Father.
... gone before, since it would have been unbecoming to begin ... a more simple man than
our present rulers of the ... room, and noticing the tokens of his lying upon the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xviii on the death.htm

Rom. Ix. 1
... this rule, will be suspecting sundry unbecoming things ... mind's aptitude, knew the
pearl though lying in the ... dishonored priests, and elders, and rulers, and cast ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xvi rom ix 1.htm

Dialogue i. --The Immutable.
... is the Prophet lying? ... Eran."About what is perfectly clear it is unbecoming to dispute,
and ... they that live in poverty, servants and masters, rulers and ruled ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/dialogue i the immutable.htm

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... but as a truly human child, silently lying and smiling ... There is nothing premature,
forced, or unbecoming his age ... of the devil, betrayed him; the rulers of the ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm

The Strait Gate;
... is natural to professors; they think to get to heaven by lying, as it were ... by that
word, "We wrestle"with principalities and powers, and the rulers of the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the strait gate.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... free to do so, to make war on the barbarians, and seduced from their allegiance
the crews of the vessels just returned from Naxos, and still lying in the ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm