Text: Prov 12:19-22 ESV 19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. 20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. 21 No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble. 22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight. - Prov 12:19-22 ESV TRUTH ENDURES FOREVER Truthful speech lasts while a lie does not. Lies will self-destruct and destroy those who make them. Truth endures because there is nothing deceptive or false about it. “An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips.”[v.13] A lying tongue is but for a moment. "For a moment" translates Hebrew phrase which is the same as the English expression "blink of an eye." For judgment will fall on unbelievers swiftly, in the blinking of an eye (Prov 29:1). Deceit is imbedded in the heart [v.20]. In the real sense, words are indicators of the condition of one's heart (Mat 15:18). Jesus noted that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Mat 12:34). As a result, the wicked people are filled with trouble.[v.21] He is caught by the web of his lies. And the most dreadful result is their words are an abomination to the Lord.[v.22] In contrast, there is a great benefit in having good intentions, especially peace, for others. Jesus talks about the blessedness of a peacemaker. (Mat 5:9) He finds joy through helping others find peace with God and with others (Rom 12:18). In the church at Philippi, Paul encouraged two feuding women to end their differences by finding agreement in the Lord. These believers are his joy and crown (Phil 4:1-3). As a result, no ill befalls the righteous.[v.20] Certainly, godly people are not exempted from disasters. Like others, they have trials – typhoons, loss of loved ones, etc. But, the Lord is with them in every trial, supplying grace, strength, and hope unlike the wicked. For example, the patriarch Job has experienced numerous hard trials (Job 1:12; 2:6–7), but he possessed the secure hope of resurrection and seeing the Lord someday (Job 19:25). And, their faithful lives are delight unto the Lord. [v.22] They are full of integrity and honesty thereby will bring delight to the Lord. To "act faithfully" is to do what corresponds to a clean conscience (1 Tim 1:5) and a sincere effort to do what one has promised to do (Mat 5:37). Every believer should be a person whose word is truthful and dependable. Indeed, those who are truthful endure forever. ------------------------- Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram