ACT RIGHT, TELL THE TRUTH

Honesty Prevails Proverbs 12:1-23 "An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies. The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. (Proverbs 12:17-19) The proverbs share this deeply held truth many times. They tell me, my words are a natural overflow from my heart, you might say it writes who I am across my forhead. My words protray my inner thoughts, emotions, and my character. The values I believe in privately in my heart will slowly show up in what I say and do. Just read: (Luke 6:45)and see what I mean, "For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.(Matthew 15:18) "But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these are the things that make you unclean. Its like looking in a mirror, just as a glass spills over when it is too full, what your heart is full of will spill over into your conversations which shows everyone what is in there. When I find myself speaking negative all the time, complaining, or talking about others, I'm holding on to something I shouldn't be holding on to, or I am stressed, or I am fearing something in my near future, that is causing ot. On the other hand,if my heart is full of patience, empathy,and love I will naturally be a nice person to be around. This all matters because my speech tell others what kind of a person I am. They can tell where my values lay by what comes out of my mouth. If I am going to change the tone of my words,I must focus on what I am holding onto in my mind and heart. As I take an inward look at the mirror of my heart and the words that are coming out of my mouth they will tell the story, as to what I need to change. Read- (Matthew 15:18) Here in Proverbs, Solomon says that our words and actions demonstrate what’s in our heart. He gives a severe warning that God “detests lying lips” but “delights in people who are trustworthy” (v. 22). He “detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him” (11:1). He “hates” pride, falsehood, and duplicity (6:16-19). Jesus says that a person’s speech will show what’s in their hearts (Luke 6:45). God wants us to bring glory to His name with our lives. I don't know about you, but as a believer in Jesus I would love to say that “I have conducted myself in the world, and especially in our relations with [fellow believers], with integrity and godly sincerity. I have been able to do this and pray I will continue doing this not relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace” (2 Corinthians 1:12). The Holy Spirit helps you and me live with integrity.Mist of the time the world will not notice,but God does, and thats what is important. What I need to say to you my friends today is this: When you and I practice integrity, it is pleasing in God's sight and we encourage others to do the same. King Solomon as the authour of the proverbs says God delights in his integrity: "The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy” (Proverbs 12:22). Solomon uses tough words to describe God’s view of dishonesty— He DETESTS it. When I lie or am deceitful, it comes from my hearts” (v. 20), it defies God and goes against the very character of God. But then on the other hand when I speak truthful words, “truthful lips” (v. 19) and conduct myself in a faithfull, trustworthy way, it brings a smile to His face. So when I treat others well it is more than just telling the truth, rather I am displaying the very character of God. Friends in a world where deception, is everywhere it seems like people who are deceptive are becoming profitable, nut truely in the end, it will destroy you, and our integrity will go out the window and no one will trust us. Friends, your integrity is something God “delights in” (v. 22). Father God, thank you, for coming into my life and breeding into my life integrity. Help me daily commit my acts and my words unto you, always doing good and speaking the truth. I know you will help me. Jesus, even if the world doesn’t notice,I know I am doing right, and you are delighted as I determine to walk in your ways. It is in your name I pray AMEN.