“Where there is no wood, the fire goes out, and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife. The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body. Fervent lips with a wicked heart are like earthenware covered with silver dross. He who hates, disguises it with his lips and lays up deceit within himself; when he speaks kindly, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly…A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin” (Proverbs 26:20-26, 28).
Liars
Regardless of the avenue which a lie is told—by deception (vv. 18-19), gossip (vv. 20-21), flattery (vv. 23, 28), hypocrisy (vv. 23-26), et. al.—a lie is always toxic. The one who tells it manifests a serious flaw in his character. The one who hears it is being poisoned by its falsehood. The innocent one who is being lied about is being covertly attacked. How crushing it is to be lied about.
No liar is right with God, for “all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Rev. 21:8). Those who do not love the truth will be sent a strong delusion from God (2 Thes. 2:10-11). A liar has nothing to offer of any spiritual benefit to you.
Beware and avoid liars.
