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Speak Every Man the Truth - Ephesians 4:25
Speak Every Man the Truth - Ephesians 4:25Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
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INTRODUCTION
It is imperative that men speak the truth, for "he that speaketh the truth sheweth forth righteousness" (Proverbs 12:17He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
See All...), and his lip "shall be established for ever" (Proverbs 12:19The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
See All...). Lies, on the other hand, are temporary and must be replaced by new lies. According to the word of God, lying is not becoming of a believer. Believers are to put "away lying," and "speak every man truth with his neighbour" (Ephesians 4:25Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
See All...). This is crucial for the hearer, for all deserve to hear and know the truth, but it is likewise important for the speaker. Lies may seem to offer a temporary way of escape, but speaking the truth will offer greater rewards in the future.
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
- (For smaller children) God hates lying (Proverbs 6:16-19 [16] These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
[17] A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
[18] An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
[19] A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
See All...; Proverbs 12:22Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
See All...). He wants us to speak the truth (Zechariah 8:16These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:
See All...; Colossians 3:9Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
See All...), even if it's hard (1 Kings 22:5-14 [5] And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day. [6] Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king. [7] And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him? [8] And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. [9] Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said, Hasten hither Micaiah the son of Imlah. [10] And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah sat each on his throne, having put on their robes, in a void place in the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them. [11] And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus saith the LORD, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them. [12] And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramothgilead, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the king's hand. [13] And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good. [14] And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak.
See All..., 17-18; Acts 4:19-21 [19] But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. [20] For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. [21] So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.
See All...). We can turn people to God by speaking the truth (Acts 8:35Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
See All...; Acts 16:30-32 [30] And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? [31] And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. [32] And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
See All...). - Under what circumstances does it become difficult to speak the truth? Does it help to withhold the truth in favour of a lie? How does this usually end up costing you more in the end?
- Why do men need to hear the truth? How can the truth help men spiritually and practically? How does it hurt others if you refuse to speak the truth?
PRAYER NEEDS
- Ask the Lord to help you speak the truth.
- Ask God to convict you when you tell a lie.
HYMN
O To Be Like Thee
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Proverbs 29:3
Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.