Topical Bible: Lying: Vanity of Getting Riches By

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The Bible addresses the issue of lying and the pursuit of wealth through deceitful means, emphasizing the futility and moral peril associated with such actions. Scripture consistently warns against the temptation to acquire riches through dishonest practices, highlighting the spiritual and ethical consequences that accompany such behavior.

Biblical Warnings Against Lying for Wealth

Proverbs 21:6 states, "Making a fortune by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist, a deadly pursuit." This verse underscores the transient nature of wealth obtained through deceit. The imagery of a "vanishing mist" suggests that riches gained by lying are not only temporary but also ultimately lead to destruction. The pursuit of wealth through dishonest means is described as "deadly," indicating the spiritual danger and moral decay that accompany such actions.

In Proverbs 13:11 , we read, "Dishonest wealth will dwindle, but what is earned through hard work will be multiplied." This passage contrasts the fleeting nature of wealth acquired through deceit with the enduring value of honest labor. The implication is that wealth gained through lying lacks the blessing and sustainability that come from integrity and diligence.

Moral and Spiritual Consequences

The Bible teaches that lying for the sake of riches not only results in material loss but also incurs spiritual harm. In Proverbs 10:2 , it is written, "Ill-gotten treasures profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death." This verse highlights the ultimate futility of dishonest gain, emphasizing that true security and deliverance come from living a righteous life.

Furthermore, the New Testament reinforces this principle. In 1 Timothy 6:9-10 , the Apostle Paul warns, "Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." Here, the desire for wealth, especially when pursued through dishonest means, is depicted as a trap that leads to spiritual ruin and a departure from faith.

The Call to Integrity

The Bible calls believers to a life of integrity, where honesty and righteousness are prioritized over the pursuit of wealth. In Proverbs 28:6 , it is stated, "Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse." This verse affirms the value of integrity over material wealth, suggesting that true richness lies in a life lived according to God's principles.

The teachings of Jesus further emphasize this perspective. In Matthew 6:19-21 , Jesus instructs, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This passage encourages believers to focus on eternal values rather than temporary, earthly wealth, reinforcing the idea that integrity and spiritual riches are of far greater worth.

In summary, the Bible presents a clear and consistent message regarding the vanity of acquiring riches through lying. It warns of the temporary nature and spiritual dangers of such pursuits, while calling believers to a life of integrity and righteousness, where true and lasting wealth is found in alignment with God's will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 21:6
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Thoughts Upon Worldly Riches. Sect. I.
... they see us busying our selves about getting a little ... get what they can, it is but
Vanity and vexation of ... thing as cheating and cousenage, as lying and perjury ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon worldly riches sect.htm

There is a Blessedness in Reversion
... They are like a castle made of snow, lying under the ... to wind (Hosea 12:1) to show
their vanity, so to ... and as they pierce the head with care of getting, so they ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/2 there is a blessedness.htm

Tenth Commandment
... In fact we might add lying, and make ... translated "covetousness" means"an inordinate
desire of getting. ... loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/tenth commandment.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
... 'Tis true which the wise man saith, "The getting of treasures by a lying tongue,
is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death." And, "Woe ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part 2.htm

Matt. xii. 46-49.
... do this before all, evincing a superfluous vanity, and wishing to ... sits by the sea,"
fishing and getting into His ... being no longer trampled on, nor lying open to ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xliv matt xii 46-49.htm

Death in Life
... talking, and to drunkenness, and to vanity about fine ... judgment is the stem, and plain
lying and slandering ... greediness to get much, ends by getting nothing at all ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xvii death in life.htm

The one Escape.
... right was the only possible way of getting out of ... most ready to excuse a man for
lying, cringing, plotting ... poor Christian, when he went through Vanity Fair, and ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xiii the one escape.htm

Profit and Loss
... but as your poor soul how that is getting on, and ... Vanity of vanities, all is vanity;"
thus saith ... root and branch; and when he entered into hell, lying on their ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/profit and loss.htm

Rom. x. 1
... beauty of the appearance, nor the desire of lying with her ... as the man who thinks
scorn of getting respected and ... any one, so are they that be slaves of vanity. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xvii rom x 1.htm

Book Six Turmoil in the Twenties. ...
... joy of a faithful hope is incomparably beyond such vanity. ... following after the ambition
of my pride by lying. ... Behold, I was now getting close to thirty, still ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book six turmoil in the.htm