Lies and Half Truths

“Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Genesis 3:1 NIV

Truth does not require argument or defense; it does, however, require your conviction.

My thoughts and comments today are about “lies and half truths.”

The practice of truth seems an increasingly rare commodity. Solomon’s wise advice was, “Buy the truth and do not sell it.” Proverbs 23:23 NIV. I think the simple meaning is this: truth is beyond price whether buying or selling. If you will only and always tell the truth, you will more readily recognize when others do not. I think it is a social and spiritual tragedy that the truth is so lightly regarded, and lies and half truths so willingly believed. If a half truth is not all true is it truth at all? Mark Twain observed, “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.” (American humorist and author (1835-1910).

Jesus exposed the enemy of your soul with this description, “There is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44 NIV. The problem is this: a person tends to believe who and what they want to believe. If you masquerade lies and half truths as truth, you play right into your enemy’s hands. The devil is not capable of speaking truth; don’t be so naïve as to expect anything different from him. “Lest Satan should take advantage of us, for we are not ignorant of his devices.” 2 Corinthians 2:11 NKJV.

As he began in the Garden, he continues today. In the Genesis account of creation the second chapter ends with Adam and Eve’s innocence; then the third chapter opens with their spiritual ignorance before the one who is described as, “more crafty than any of the wild animals God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say, ‘You must not eat of any tree in the Garden’?” Genesis 3:1 NIV. Refer to Genesis 2:15-17. That was not quite what God said – a half truth misapplied as a lie. Be true to the truth!

Lies and half truths intrude when you indulge your own, or any others’ challenge to God’s Word. The devil, in the form of a serpent, questioned God’s instruction, subtly alters its accuracy, and then impugns God’s character. Read Genesis 3:1-13 NIV. You are no match for his clever deceit unless you hold fast to the Word of God, as Jesus did when tempted in the wilderness. See Matthew 4:1-11 NIV. Jesus’ response to each temptation was the clear, simple response of the eternal Word, “It is written.” Truth and nothing more need be said. Lessen your grip on absolute truth and you have lost the battle. Truth does not require argument or defense; it does, however, require your conviction. Refer to 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 TEV.

There is a somber warning that concludes the Canon of Scripture. “If anyone adds to these things . . if anyone takes words away from this Book, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life.” Revelation 22:18-19 NIV. Plainly stated, you need nothing more than God’s Word; neither do you need anything less than all of God’s Word. God deals only in truth; so should we who choose to be called by His Name. The Bible describes the man whom God honors as, “He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart.” Read Psalm 15:1-5 NKJV.

My prayer for you today is that you love and guard the truth, without compromise.