The Poverty of Truth

(Proverbs 19:22 KJV)  The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.

Talk about a reversal from our common culture.  This verse says it is better to be honest than wealthy.  Just who does this Solomon think he is to give us such advice?  He is rich.  He is a king.  If he wants a new chariot, he gets a new chariot.  If he wants liver for dinner, everyone eats liver.  What does he know about poverty?

We often fall into the trap of evaluating truth based on factors that have nothing to do with it.  Our culture is quite comfortable with lies and deceit.  There is always a caveat, of course, that a small lie does not hurt anyone.  This extends to the idea that you only steal from rich people.  Somehow in our world of relative values we think that justifies sin.

Yes, I said sin.  Saying what is not true is a lie.  A lie is a sin.  Taking what is not yours is called stealing.  It is a sin.

So?  It may be tough but it is not an option.  Truth is not on a sliding scale based on whether it helps you or not.  We aware.  God will not be mocked.