Loading...

Don’t exaggerate 

Tuesday March 15, 2022
Bob Gass
1 min read

“My words are plain to anyone with understanding.” Proverbs 8:9 NLT 

King Solomon wrote, “Everything I say is right, for I speak the truth and detest every kind of deception. My advice is wholesome. There is nothing devious or crooked in it. My words are plain to anyone with understanding” (vv. 6-9 NLT). We usually embellish the truth in order to get these two things: the attention and the approval of the listener. But eventually, it backfires. Over time, people discover your propensity to stretch the truth, and you lose your credibility with them. And once you lose that, it takes a long time to get it back—if ever. Sweeping statements like “Everybody does it” or “You never” or “You always” cause people to discount you and eventually slot you as untrustworthy. It’s okay to say something with enthusiasm, but avoid exaggeration. Stick to the facts, and resist the urge to be the centre of attention by engaging in this form of lying. Joseph’s brothers resented the favour of God that was on his life. So they threw him into a pit, dipped his coat in blood, then took it back home and showed it to their aging father. They didn’t say a word. They simply let the old man conclude that his son had been devoured by a wild beast. And what’s more, they allowed him to live with that cruel lie for years. Revelation 22:15 says, “Whosoever loveth and maketh a lie” is lumped together with “sorcerers…whoremongers…murderers, and idolaters.” So unless that’s the company you want to be identified with, tell the whole truth. Today make your prayer, “Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips and…a deceitful tongue” (Psalm 120:2 NKJV).

The Word for You Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from Celebration Enterprises, Inc. Copyright © 2024


Bible in a Year:

Get daily encouragement straight to your inbox!

Start your day with The Word For You Today—a trusted source of daily encouragement designed to speak right to your heart. Whether you're juggling work, family, or just needing a quiet moment with God, these short, powerful devotionals help you stay grounded in faith and hope. It’s like a gentle nudge from a friend reminding you that God is with you, even in the chaos. Perfect with your morning coffee or during school drop-off downtime, The Word For You Today fits beautifully into your routine and brings spiritual encouragement just when you need it most.
We'll never share your email with anyone else.
You'll get an email each morning and you can unsubscribe anytime!

Advertisement

Advertisement

Your gift to The Word For You Today and UCB Radio helps ensure daily encouragement get to people in their darkest times: 

“I read The Word For You Today every morning before my kids wake up. It keeps me grounded and gives me strength to face the day.”
– Jessica, UCB Listener & Mom of 3

Donate

Get positive, uplifting UCB Radio and The Word For You Today wherever you go with our FREE app. 

Download

Let us stand with you and pray for your concerns.

UCB Radio Prayerline is powered by

Request Prayer

Previous Daily Encouragement

Read Today
Sun March 13

Learning to confront (2) 

Healthy confrontation calls for putting the other person’s well-being above your own interests. So how do you confront someone in the right way? By...

Read more
Sat March 12

Learning to confront (1) 

We don’t enjoy confrontation, but it’s impossible to grow without it. Healthy confrontation calls for “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15 NIV) to...

Read more
Thu March 10

The supporting cast 

At Oscar time, Hollywood hands out awards to the best actor, producer, director, editor, costume designer, etc. But the Screen Actors Guild knows there...

Read more

Advertisement

Advertisement