"Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal faithfully are His delight"
lying
This is the Hebrew word sheqer, which means deception, disappointment, falsehood. Solomon does not pull any punches. To be a liar is clearly a huge thing. Don't think that lying is just a little sin; it is an abomination.
abomination
This is the Hebrew word toebah, which means abomination, detestable, loathsome. To become a person who twists and distorts the truth to suit your own interest causes the society to lose an essential cohesion. It loses its trust.
faithfully
This is the Hebrew word emunah, which means firmness, steadfastness, fidelity. The idea is clearly that truthfulness wins out over lies in God's eyes. You want to please God.
delight
This is the Hebrew word ratson, which means good will, favor, acceptance, will. God takes delight when you tell the truth and are firm about what you pledged to do – even if it will cost you. Never forget this.
Notice that the focus of this proverb is on morality that we are aware of, but the benefit of being moral is not what we typically think a lot about. How do we bring delight to God and how do we become His delight? Isn’t this a wonderful concept of being the delight of God? Think of God watching you and just delighting in what you are doing and how you are acting. When we say the truthful thing – even if hurts us or makes life difficult for us – God finds that delightful. I believe that it is because doing the unselfish thing is so contrary to our nature. This is evidence of the spark of God in our lives. Can’t you see His saying to one of the angels: “Look over there, Gil is telling the truth even though it will cost him. I delight in that.” Think about what it is like to be the delight of God’s eyes. Think about the relationship God has with those who are His delight. Think about the blessings that He bestows on those who delight Him. Think about how He protects those who delight Him. Become God’s delight and turn away from lying.
Until tomorrow,
Gil Stieglitz