BY MIKE MCKAY: Proverbs 24:26: Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.
A while back, I was in the checkout line at one of those big hardware stores and struck up a conversation with a new young employee. He was stocking those displays of impulse products like candy, cool little flashlights, zip ties, and fun items that are on each cash register aisle.
Well, he was thrilled at his new job and looking forward to earning money. He was also very excited he was learning about hardware, tools, and home improvement. It was fun to see his enthusiasm.
BY MIKE MCKAY: Proverbs 24:26: Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.
A while back, I was in the checkout line at one of those big hardware stores and struck up a conversation with a new young employee. He was stocking those displays of impulse products like candy, cool little flashlights, zip ties, and fun items that are on each cash register aisle.
Well, he was thrilled at his new job and looking forward to earning money. He was also very excited he was learning about hardware, tools, and home improvement. It was fun to see his enthusiasm.
Well, as I was moving on in the line and my conversation with this new employee was ending, a very-much-in-a-hurry customer came up to this new employee and asked where to find a product. The new employee stood up with a smile, looked the customer in the eye with confidence, and without hesitation said, “Aisle 54.”
The customer scurried off, saying, “Thank you, I am in a real hurry.”
I was really impressed at this young employee’s knowledge. The new employee watched the customer walk off and went back to his restocking and said, “I have no idea if that’s the right aisle, but I smiled, looked him in the eye, and spoke with confidence like my boss said.”
Yes, I thought, but what about the training to be truthful! That customer is going to be even more frustrated if she was led down the wrong way.
Now just a few days ago, I was in a different hardware store, and I was that frantic customer with little time and needed to get something fast. I asked the nearest employee where I could find this product. Immediately, looking me in the eyes with a smile and with confidence he said, “Aisle 22.” Perfect, I thought. I went right to Aisle 22 at the other end of the store and the aisle it was not even the type of parts I needed. I walked up and down the aisle a few times, thinking I had missed something, getting a bit frustrated because my time was short. I was going to ask another employee, but did not trust what they might say, so began my own search.
Good thing it did not take me long to find what I was looking for. As I headed for the self-checkout registers I was wondering, was this guy just mistaken or did he purposely not tell me the truth. I will never know, but I do greatly appreciate the truth.
The Bible has encouraged us to be truthful.
Ephesians 4:25: Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
Zechariah 8:16: These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace…
Philippians 4:8: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Sure, sometimes it’s difficult to be honest and truthful, yet there is a wisdom in telling the truth.
Proverbs 12:17: Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.
Proverbs 14:25: A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.
Proverbs 12:22: Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
Abomination means detestable, abhorrent. It’s the hateful feeling a parent has towards a deadly snake that could hurt their innocent child. God does not hate us, He loves us (see Psalm 86), yet God does hate or abhors the evils of this world (see Proverbs 6:16-19 for a list of God’s top seven) because they do cause great devastation, frustration, pain, and hurt. Yet there is wisdom in telling the truth.
Proverbs 12:19: Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Proverbs 14:25: A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.
Yes, there is wisdom in telling the truth. Let’s be that truthful blessing to those around us!
Mike McKay is lead pastor of Cypress Church. He can be reached at 714-952-3001.
