Pastor Jesse Bradley teaches us that honoring God through our speech only comes when we speak truth – not lies or flowery words. God’s standard is truth!
Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore;
those who are loyal have vanished from the human race.
2 Everyone lies to their neighbor;
they flatter with their lips
but harbor deception in their hearts.
3 May the Lord silence all flattering lips
and every boastful tongue—
4 those who say,
“By our tongues we will prevail;
our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?”
5 “Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan,
I will now arise,” says the Lord.
“I will protect them from those who malign them.”
6 And the words of the Lord are flawless,
like silver purified in a crucible,
like gold[c] refined seven times.
7 You, Lord, will keep the needy safe
and will protect us forever from the wicked,
8 who freely strut about
when what is vile is honored by the human race.
~Psalm 12
Key verse: “Everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception.” Psalm 12:2
Who can find a truly honest man or woman? God’s standard is truth. What is common in our culture today? 1) Flattery= Compliments that are exaggerated or serve a selfish purpose. 2) Manipulation= Presenting an unbalanced report or changing the appearance of facts behind the scenes 3) Lies= Speaking what is false, either intentionally or unintentionally.
How will you be honest when you are at work, sharing a story, reporting your finances, or delivering truth when the relational cost will be significant? Our culture tries to clean the outside of the cup while the interior is filthy. Flowery words do not change the situational reality. The pure in heart will experience God through humble and honest words that carry truth.
Inspiring? You might also enjoy his interpretation of Psalm 1
Jesse Bradley is passionate about helping people discover the grace of Jesus- both in practical and eternal ways. He serves as Senior Pastor of Sebastopol Christian Churchin Northern California, with degrees from Dartmouth College and Dallas Theological Seminary. Once a professional goalkeeper in Scotland and Zimbabwe, God redirected him into ministry through a life-threatening illness. He is the author of Rooted In Grace and A New Season. Jesse and his wife, Laurie, have three children.
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