8 February | Youth
«Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the Lord.» Leviticus 19:16, NIV
Psychology explains that people lie as a defense mechanism; sociology, as a search for power; and philosophy, because of human imperfection. Christ, however, attributed it to a spiritual cause. He declared that the devil is the “father of lies” (John 8:44, NIV). Jesus said this because the lie emerged with Lucifer in Heaven. In a mysterious way, deception took root in the heart of this cherubic angel who aspired to be equal to the Most High (Isa 14:12-14). His lie and pride reached such heights that they were able to start a battle on the heavenly fields. This war resulted in the expulsion of a third of the angels.
From then on, Satan always sought to distort the truth. He is an expert in the art of lying, a true illusionist. His strategy is to mix truth with error, just as he did with Eve in the garden of Eden (Gen 3: 1) and with Jesus in the desert (Matt 4: 6). He hates the truth and does everything to destroy other people's reputations.
Interestingly, Leviticus 19:16 associates lying with murder. In this verse, “spreading slander” is a translation of the Hebrew word rakhil. This word appears in several passages, referring both to a merchant who goes from door to door and also to a slanderer (Prov 11:13; Ezek 17:4). The root rakhal is also related to Lucifer's action in Heaven: “By the abundance of your trading [rekhullah] you became filled with violence within, and you sinned” (Ezek 28:16). Observe: by spreading lies from ear to ear in Heaven, Lucifer committed violence, attacking the character of God.
Do we not commit similar sins with our tongue? The ninth commandment says: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exod 20:16). This involves slander, lies and also gossip. It is time to rethink the way we have been using words. Be careful not to destroy someone with your tongue! The Bible says: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Eph 4:29).