Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs

ALWAYS CONSIDER OTHERS

“Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, ‘I was only joking.’” – Proverbs 26:18-19 New Living Translation

            Throughout scripture can see that God places a high premium on telling the truth. It doesn’t matter if the consequences end up good or bad; being honest is paramount in the life of a believer in Christ.

            In looking at this verse the first question I ask myself is how are we to define the term ‘madman’ in this case? This usage has a negative connotation. A madman in this case would be a person who acts in a ‘violently destructive way’. Now a person that crosses our path from our neighborhood, at work or school wouldn’t necessarily fit that description, but they might be classified as being ‘reckless’with the truth.

            A person who lies, then fluffs it off as a joke is acting irresponsibly. He hasn’t taken anyone else’s feelings or emotions into account. It is like a man who randomly shoots fiery arrows into the air without any knowledge of where they will land. The damage caused by such an act will depend on where they land. It should be noted that it is never proper behavior to lie and especially at the expense of another person’s feelings.  

            We all like a good laugh, but lets not be loose with the truth in order to get that laugh, thus tainting the way others may look at us. Believers in particular should be focusing on representing the Lord in the most favorable light. May the Lord continue to teach us all how to be more like the Savior in our daily lives. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources: MacArthur Study Bible; Believer’s Bible Commentary; Barnes’ Notes; The Life Application Study Bible; American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language and www.biblegateway.com.