Read Deuteronomy 16:18-22

“You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality, nor take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.” (Deuteronomy 16:19)

This chapter in Deuteronomy is a great review and further exposition by Moses of all that God has commanded the nation of Israel. From memorable feasts, to worshipful sacrifices, to lifestyle prohibitions, and everything in between, God desires that His people Israel set their affections on Him and on their neighbor; on truth and on holiness.

Found within, Moses preaches a strong message of command — one which deals with the integrity and honesty of an individual. "You shall not!" shows the thrust of God’s solemn order and the clear hatred He has toward the violation of it. In the case of our verse, the command is to not pervert truth. Or, more simply, do not lie.

Truly, there are few things which God hates more than the lying tongue. God even says as much in the Book of Proverbs.

“These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue…” (Proverbs 6:16)

We might ask: What constitutes a lying tongue? The answer is found in the words of God's command in our verse in Deuteronomy. It is to twist words of someone else for the sake of personal gain. This, God says, is not only lying, but a perversion of justice.

“The LORD detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy” (Proverbs 12:22)

The Apostle James warns us of the fire of our tongues — a fire which is lit by hell itself and is a world of iniquity (see James 3:1-12).

Therefore, Beloved, as the people of God we must be careful to the utmost to not allow our tongues to control our destiny, or worse, to destroy another’s. I graciously ask you to evaluate your heart: Is there twisted gossip that you are participating in about someone else? Have you twisted the words of a brother or sister in Christ to their harm? Do you control your tongue or does it control you?

Fair questions, indeed. Yet, of supreme importance! Life and death are in the power of the tongue! (see Proverbs 18:21) Friend, if you have found yourself to be involved in the twisting of words you must know that it is an abomination to God. Cast off idle talking and fables about others (see 1 Timothy 6:3-5).

Don’t downplay it or mask it. Instead, give place for repentance about such an evil, and pray that your tongue be sanctified by truthfulness. For we ought to be a people who speak what is true and use our words to edify for God’s glory.

“Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.” (1 Peter 3:10)