When to Believe a Liar

by Steve Hale

"An evildoer gives heed to false lips; A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue" ( Proverbs 17:4, NKJV).

In cornbread English, Solomon is saying that evil people listen to evil people, and liars listen to liars. This is a warning that should grab our attention. Jesus said to a group of unbelieving Jews:

"You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it" ( John 8:44, NKJV).

Our Lord accuses these unbelieving Jews of desiring to do the will of their father (the devil). As the father of lies, he speaks from his wellspring of evil ( Matthew 12:34-37). His track record says he should not be believed, for he has proven himself to be the source of all falsehoods.

Similarly, there is a difference between telling a lie and being a liar. All of us, as we struggle with sin, get caught up in lies. These catch-up with us due to a sensitive conscience, and heart that want to repent ( II Corinthians 7:9-10; I Peter 3:20-21).

The evildoer Solomon mentions cannot be believed. Rather than stumbling or struggling, lying is his way of life. He's lied so many times, his conscience is seared, and his heart is calloused.

But, what is so insightful here is not just the liar, but the listener! "An evildoer gives heed to false lips; A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue." Do you take solace in listening to the words of a liar? Do you give heed to a liar?

Liars not only reflect upon themselves, but upon their followers. Solomon warns that the one who gives heed or listens to a liar is himself "an evildoer" and "a liar."

Our country is at a crossroads, yet few seem alarmed or concerned. The standard for our leadership has been lowered, and expectations diluted. As long as our wallets are fat, and food is on the table, few care.

Abortions are still legal, and the powerful homosexual lobby is active and vibrant. Partial birth abortions have been banned by Congress only to face Presidential vetoes. Finally, our President has admitted repeatedly lying to us only to now ask us to trust him in sensitive areas of foreign policy. Should we now believe him? When should we believe a liar?

August 30, 1998

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When to Believe a Liar by Steve Hale "An evildoer gives heed to false lips; A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue" ( Proverbs 17:4, NKJV). In cornbread English, Solomon is saying that evil people listen to evil people, and liars listen to liars. This is a warning that should grab our attention. Jesus said to a group of unbelieving Jews: "You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it" ( John 8:44, NKJV). Our Lord accuses these unbelieving Jews of desiring to do the will of their father (the devil). As the father of lies, he speaks from his wellspring of evil ( Matthew 12:34-37). His track record says he should not be believed, for he has proven himself to be the source of all falsehoods. Similarly, there is a difference between telling a lie and being a liar. All of us, as we struggle with sin, get caught up in lies. These catch-up with us due to a sensitive conscience, and heart that want to repent ( II Corinthians 7:9-10; I Peter 3:20-21). The evildoer Solomon mentions cannot be believed. Rather than stumbling or struggling, lying is his way of life. He's lied so many times, his conscience is seared, and his heart is calloused. But, what is so insightful here is not just the liar, but the listener! "An evildoer gives heed to false lips; A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue." Do you take solace in listening to the words of a liar? Do you give heed to a liar? Liars not only reflect upon themselves, but upon their followers. Solomon warns that the one who gives heed or listens to a liar is himself "an evildoer" and "a liar." Our country is at a crossroads, yet few seem alarmed or concerned. The standard for our leadership has been lowered, and expectations diluted. As long as our wallets are fat, and food is on the table, few care. Abortions are still legal, and the powerful homosexual lobby is active and vibrant. Partial birth abortions have been banned by Congress only to face Presidential vetoes. Finally, our President has admitted repeatedly lying to us only to now ask us to trust him in sensitive areas of foreign policy. Should we now believe him? When should we believe a liar? August 30, 1998 Related Articles: Print this Article Discuss this Article Back to the Sermon Page	Mt. Juliet Church of Christ 1940 N. Mt. Juliet Road P.O.Box 248 Mt.Juliet, TN 37122-0248 (615)758-2274 Fax:615-754-2351 Email Worship Services: Sunday Early Worship: 8AM Sunday Bible Study: 9:15AM Sunday Late Worship: 10:15AM Night Worship: 6PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7PM