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Day Forty-Four

The Triad of Treachery (Read Proverbs 17:1-9)

"Choose your leaders with wisdom and forethought. To be led by a coward is to be controlled by all that the coward fears. To be led by a fool is to be led by the opportunists who control the fool. To be led by a thief is to offer up your most precious treasures to be stolen. To be led by a liar is to ask to be told lies. To be led by a tyrant is to sell yourself and those you love into slavery." ~ Octavia Butler

The book of Proverbs, known for its timeless wisdom and practical life lessons, often highlights the complexities of human behavior and the moral dilemmas that arise within everyday interactions. Proverbs 17:7-9, a concise yet profound passage, delves into the nature of three particularly depraved personalities: the liar, the briber, and the gossip. Each represents a distinct violation of trust and integrity, undermining personal relationships and the fabric of community and society. By exploring these characters, we uncover essential truths about the consequences of deceit, manipulation, and the spread of discord. This examination serves as a reminder of the enduring value of honesty, integrity, and the cultivation of healthy communication in our lives. As we unpack the attributes and implications of these three personas, we will also reflect on how their actions resonate in contemporary society, reminding us of the timeless relevance of Proverbs' teachings.

7 Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool;
    even less are lies fitting for a ruler.

8 A bribe is like a lucky charm;
    whoever gives one will prosper!

9 Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,
    but dwelling on it separates close friends.

The Liar

"Hate a liar more than you hate a thief. A thief is only after my salary, and a liar is after my reality." ~ Curtis Jackson

It's not a matter of if but when you tell a lie. What was the last lie you told another person? When was the last time you lied to yourself? We lie because pride and fear are the main enemies plaguing our souls, creating the need to embellish the truth. Attempting to become a person of integrity is a daily commitment because sometimes the choice between telling the truth and lying isn't clear. Honesty is the best policy, but is it always? What if someone asks you if they're overweight, pretty, worthy, or capable? You can create deep wounds with the truth.

Today's wisdom teaching shines the truth spotlight on leaders of communities, states, and nations. WOW, name a politician who's never told a lie. We are in the middle of the political season, and the attack ads, campaign schemes, and desperation to be famous are all driven by the motto, "We'll go to any lengths to earn you a vote, including serving up BIG FAT LIES." Psalm 72 models the job description for leaders; name one who has ever met the requirements or fulfilled those duties as described.

The Briber

"Few men have the virtue to withstand the highest bidder." ~ George Washington

Have you ever said to someone, "You do this for me, and I'll do this for you?" How about, "If you promise not to tell, I will give you…?" Lastly, "Officer, if you give me a warning, I promise I will stop speeding?" We are all guilty of giving and receiving bribes. Bribery is the name of the game in politics; how does anyone rise to the top of the political heap without accepting bribes? Have you ever heard the expression, "It's not what you know, but who you know?" Standing firm when bribed is challenging, yet God says, "Don't Do It!" 

The Gossiper

"Gossip needn't be false to be evil - there's a lot of truth that shouldn't be passed around." ~ Frank A. Clark

When was the last time you gossiped about someone? Even asking people to pray for this person or this group of people can be a form of gossip if not checked. Gossip comes in many forms, and it doesn't have to be the truth, but frequently it is. Gossip has an alias; it's called second-hand news. It sounds like, "I don't know if it's true or not, but I heard that so and so did or was …" When was the last time you were gossiped about that you even know of? How did it make you feel? It's hard not to gossip; some live for it, but God says, "Knock it off."

God judges every person by the same standard. He condemns evil.

Wisdom does not come naturally. We gain it by respecting God and making careful choices.

As the book of Proverbs continually points out, wisdom is of great value. We discover proper understanding in a relationship with God. Only by learning His Word will you find wisdom and discernment to help you make the right choices and avoid being labeled a liar, briber, and gossiper.

May God bless your hearing, understanding, and application of today's wisdom.