Speaking Truth in the Way of Righteousness

Proverbs 12:17-28

17 He who speaks truth declares righteousness,
But a false witness, deceit.

18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise promotes health.

19 The truthful lip shall be established forever,
But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
But counselors of peace have joy.

21 No grave trouble will overtake the righteous,
But the wicked shall be filled with evil.

22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD,
But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

23 A prudent man conceals knowledge,
But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.

24 The hand of the diligent will rule,
But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.

25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,
But a good word makes it glad.

26 The righteous should choose his friends carefully,
For the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27 The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting,
But diligence is man's precious possession.

28 In the way of righteousness is life,
And in its pathway there is no death.

These verses speak of truth in the way of righteousness.  Truth tells of righteousness, whereas lies speak deceit as of a forked tongue of the father of lies (John 8:44).  Yes, the truth leads to health even if it initially hurts, but the lies are painful as a deep wound not easily or quickly healed.  Harsh words cut like the sword, but our truth spoken in love is more like skillful surgery for healing (1 Thessalonians 2:5, 11-12, 2 Timothy 4:2).  Righteousness is not found in flattering words, but with truth spoken in love (Ephesians 4:15).  Truth and it’s speakers endure, but lies and liars come to an end, having only momentary audiences, and no lasting good fruit.  We are therefore to be counselors of peace, not planners of evil intent for our own pleasure or supposed gain as the world does under the sway of the evil one (1 John 5:19).  Righteousness in truth brings real and lasting joy.  While God delivers the righteous from trouble or through it, the evil only appear to avoid it outwardly for a while, but answer for it in eternity, which is a warning and a hope.  God hates lies as abominations, but honors truth we speak and delights in its speakers.  Sometimes therefore wisdom has us hold back some knowledge as pearls unfasten before swine, knowing the adversarial response that would come a Paul warned his beloved son in the faith in 2 Timothy 4:14-15 concerning Alexander.  Foolish men walk over all to make their knowledge known as deceit and as a torrent of foolishness instead of from God’s word of knowledge and real understanding.  More is found here, like pursuing diligence instead laziness and avoiding anxiety by good and comforting words of truth instead.  Yes, the effect of choosing unrighteous friends corrupts the righteous who pursue truth (1 Corinthians 15:33), leading them astray from God’s principles and commands to serve false knowledge, which is not wise or true.  Keep to the path God sets before you and don’t be led off the right and narrow way!  Our diligence in pursuing knowledge and truth for understanding of righteousness is a precious possession.  This way of righteousness is life.  Death is swallowed up in life given by God in the righteousness of Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Corinthians 15:54-55), so we run the race towards that prize of His heavenly call in Him along the path of holiness and true righteousness in response, avoiding the influences which pull us away.  Amen.