Day 301

Jeremiah 51:54–52:34; Titus 3:1-15; Psalm 100:1-5; Proverbs 26:18-19

IN OUR READING from Proverbs yesterday, we considered the foolishness of meddling in other people’s business uninvited. Today, Proverbs invited us to consider even more stark advice —this time about veiled lies.

Before we get to the passage, let’s flesh the concept out: Have you ever observed a person who is harsh but attempts to pass off the belittling as a joke? This kind of person will nick and cut with their words but, if confronted, will attempt to flip the story around so that the problem isn’t the abusive or hurtful intent but rather the other person’s inability to take a joke.

When this happens, it’s a no-win situation because the disparaging remarks were indeed meant to harm, but the plausible deniability allows the falseness to remain. It’s a lie, but a twisted lie that is a good recipe for crazy-making.

“Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon,” the proverb tells us, “is someone who lies to a friend and then says, ‘I was only joking’” (Proverbs 26:18-19).

A madman shooting a deadly weapon is a hauntingly familiar image these days. The proverb is essentially saying that the snipe-and-sidestep maneuver —the deceptive tactics that insult or denigrate another person and then reinjure by trying to make them believe the whole thing was a joke —is just as dangerous spiritually.

Wow.

If this has been happening to you, then you can stop feeling like you’ve gone mad. You’re in an unhealthy situation. Perhaps you need counsel. Or perhaps you need to name it and bring it into the light.

If you’re feeling conviction because the description is a little too real, then name it and face it. Instead of wagging your tongue, learn to bite it. Insulting another person and then passing it off as a joke is dangerous and harmful. When you are pulled toward this behavior, consider the implications and invite God to intervene in your heart.

Let’s steward what we say today, because our words can align with God’s Kingdom —or act like a dangerous madman shooting a deadly weapon. The choice is ours.

WORSHIP:

Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth! Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.