The Hallmark of the Hypocrite

 "Whoever speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit. 18There is one who speaks rashly, like a piercing sword; but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 19Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue, only a moment."

                                                                Proverbs 12:17-19   CSB

Once a person has lied to you, it can be extremely difficult to trust them again. We should forgive them of course, but deep down there is that feeling, 'Can I trust this person anymore? But don't you think that Jesus could so easily feel the same way about us when we have lied to Him (Yes we have). And when we have blatantly disobeyed Him? And what about those times when we have judged and pointed the finger at someone who has repented?

Remember what James says in James 3:8-10  'but no one can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness.10Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way.'  We must be in control of the tongue. The mind, if we don't process things properly, will feed the tongue and before we know it, we have spoken out and blown it. (Never done this, I bet you have)? Tony Evans reinforces this: It's a reminder that when we are quick to speak - often out of anger, good results rarely follow. We must engage our minds before we speak.

The Hallmark of the Hypocrite is a person who refuses to feel that they may have it wrong. They are right and everyone else is wrong, type of thing. They point the finger at whoever they feel is out of step with God yet, fail to recognise that what they may see in others, is what they do all the time. To refuse to recognise that we have it wrong; is akin to be hypocritical if we continue to refuse to recognise this fact. 

We all let God down, possibly everyday, but it's putting it right with Him that shows maturity. Speaking the truth in love, will always open doors for us. 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus, I have sinned   

I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard.                                

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