SCRIPTURE: “Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.” (Hosea 11:12 (KJV)
QUOTE: “There are some people so addicted to exaggeration that they can’t tell the truth without lying”. -Josh Billings
NOTE:
Exaggeration is a blood relation to falsehood and nearly as blamable. Lies and deceit are always like siblings who are very close. Check those leaders who are liars and you’ll find out that their tendencies to deceive others are very high. This resonates in our Scripture of today, where Ephraim is encompassed with lies while Israel is full of deceit but Judah is faithful. Lies in leadership operate as a spirit. Please, note that this lying spirit within a leadership system is usually unconventional (i.e. it chooses different patterns and practices to run on its victims).
Today let’s focus on another kind of lie which is:
Exaggeration: This come inform of embellished or made to be more than they really are. They involve the enhancement of the truth by adding falsehood to it to make it more impressive or acceptable. Amongst the reason most people or leaders exaggerate is to help their listeners believe and accept them more.
ILLUSTRATION:
“So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.” (2Sam. 1:10 (KJV)
REFLECTION:
- Are people really impressed with exaggeration?
- How does thinking before speaking help curb this sin
TWO YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Samuel 13 – 14, Proverbs 26