A mother confronts her son: “Did you write on the wall?”

The boy replies, “No, Mom, my little brother did it.”

The mother says, “But your little brother can’t spell.”

“Oh.”

*****

On another day, the mother confronts the same son: “Did you write on the wall?”

“No, Mom. My little brother did it,” the boy replies. “And this time I spelled it wrong so you would believe me.”

*****

On still another day, the mother confronts the younger brother: “Did you draw on the wall?”

“No, Mom,” the boy replies. “The cousins did it.”

“The cousins haven’t been here for two months.”

“Oh.”

*****

It strikes me that we have no more chance of deceiving God with our lies than those boys have of deceiving their mother.

Here are some Bible verses on the subject (from the NIV):

• “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” (Proverbs 12:22)

• “Save me, Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues.” (Psalm 120:2)

• “Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” (John 8:31-32)

• “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:15-17)

• “When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” (John 16:13)

• “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:6)