Hating Falsehood

Proverbs 13:5

The righteous hates falsehood,
but the wicked brings shame and disgrace.

The righteous person hates falsehood, whether it be to hear it or to disseminate it. It is distasteful to him. The wicked person is intrigued by falsehood. He appreciates a good lie; he likes to see how he can use falsehood to his advantage. Inevitably he will bring upon himself – and those connected with him – shame and disgrace.

For the righteous person, to indulge in a lie immediately brings personal shame. He feels guilt regardless of whether he has been caught. It does not settle well within his soul. His inner conscious plagues him. But the wicked person considers a successful lie to be an accomplishment. Success encourages him to indulge in falsehood all the more. It takes failure – getting caught – to subdue him. Even then, he is likely to be more ashamed of getting caught than for lying itself. The disgrace comes in the consequences, not the pangs of a conscience.

If you identify with the righteous person, still be careful. It is easy to hate falsehood seen in others. It is easy to spot falsehood or supposed falsehood in those with whom you disagree. Make sure it really is falsehood that you hate. If it is, you will spot it in yourself and hate it as much or more than when you spot it in others. You do recognize that falsehood lies within your own heart? If not, then your hatred of falsehood is hypocritical. Hate falsehood wherever it is found.