When Words Hurt: Trusting God’s Truth in a World of Lies

Summary

David cried out to God for help because people around him lied, manipulated, and broke promises. Today, smooth speech and flattery still deceive, revealing inner emptiness and misplaced confidence. God hears the cries of the oppressed and intervenes on behalf of the poor and needy. His words, pure and trustworthy like refined gold, stand in sharp contrast to human dishonesty. Only God’s truth and His Spirit working within us can make our words consistently reflect integrity and love.

Crisis Prayers: “Help, Lord!”

Comedians do not have a monopoly on one-liners. Our prayers are one-liners when danger leaps in front of us out of nowhere. We cry, “Help!” Usually, we put all of ourselves into it. There is nothing half-hearted about them. During a crisis, King David cried, “Help, Lord” (Psalm 12:1).

Words Hurt

David could not depend on others to keep their word. Time has not changed much. Ungodly people still use words to manipulate rather than communicate. They lie to deceive others. They make it up as they go. They do not keep or even remember their promises. Their words hurt.

Their word is not their bond. They say, “Would I lie to you?” They would. “You can trust me.” You cannot. Their words are smooth and slippery as wet ice. They sink their fangs into us with a smile on their faces to get what they want.

Their words stroke our egos. Their flattery manipulates us. For them, truth is like an inconvenient stop sign. They ignore it whenever they can. No trailer hitch connects their promises and their actions.

False Confidence of the Ungodly

They believe their might is enough. They are deluded (Psalm 33:16). They pursue security in big talk, not in the Lord of heaven and earth. Their boasts betray internal emptiness.

A Question for Our Hearts

What about us? Do we use our tongues to manipulate others for our ends? Is truth the epoxy that binds our promises and actions together?

The Purity and Power of God’s Word

God is not passive or distant while lying continues on Earth. He intervenes “because the poor are plundered and the needy groan” (Psalm 12:5 NIV). The context suggests the tongues of the ungodly are responsible. God promises safety for the oppressed.

Their rescue is certain because God’s words are sure and pure. There is no trace of a lie. Unlike Bitcoin, they are trustworthy, unfluctuating wealth. They are the exact truth. They are dependable. They are as pure as gold refined seven times. God keeps His promises. Nothing is surer.

God Defends the Oppressed

God protects the poor, needy, and those who yearn for rescue. Their oppressive trials will not overcome them. When they approach their threshold of tolerance, the Lord will intercede.

What Truly Matters

Typically, the media covers the eternally insignificant—materialism, sex, sports, pride, and power. God’s Son has revealed what is truly indispensable—loving God and our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39).

Speaking Truth from a Transformed Heart

Education can help us communicate more clearly. That is helpful, but God’s word and Spirit inside us enable us to speak the truth consistently. That is far more important. See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians.   #freediscipleshipresources #freeevangelismresources #freechristianleadershipresources

God has empowered me to write His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength. It’s a free, evangelistic, devotional, and discipleship e-book. Pastors have used it in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia to lead 7,541 people to Christ and teach the basics of Christianity to 17,361 people. I invite you to explore and use it in your setting.

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