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And let none of you devise or even imagine evil in your heart against another, and do not love lying or half-truths; for all these things I hate,’ declares the Lord.” Zechariah 8:17 AMPC
Joseph S. Exell, coeditor of The Pulpit Commentary series, makes these observations about Israel’s pet sins during the days of Zechariah: “The prevalent sins at this time were not idolatry, but cheating and lying and injustice, vices learned in the land of exile, where they had turned their energies to traffic and commerce.”
As is always the case, God’s message for His people cuts to the heart of the matter, addressing the very sins they were struggling with at the time. But lying, backbiting, and harmful words continue to this day—even among God’s people.
Consider how it would look for you, someone who is full of the Holy Spirit, to be honest in every circumstance of your life, and to always have people’s best interests at heart. It would mean adhering to Jesus Christ’s call to die to self. It would mean honoring the needs of others over your own. It would mean giving credit where credit is due. And it would mean owning your mistakes and failures rather than covering them with half truths.
This is the very life you are called to live.
Prayer: Lord, may I live out the intent of today’s key verse at work, at home, and anywhere else I go.
Joseph S. Exell, coeditor of The Pulpit Commentary series, makes these observations about Israel’s pet sins during the days of Zechariah: “The prevalent sins at this time were not idolatry, but cheating and lying and injustice, vices learned in the land of exile, where they had turned their energies to traffic and commerce.”
As is always the case, God’s message for His people cuts to the heart of the matter, addressing the very sins they were struggling with at the time. But lying, backbiting, and harmful words continue to this day—even among God’s people.
Consider how it would look for you, someone who is full of the Holy Spirit, to be honest in every circumstance of your life, and to always have people’s best interests at heart. It would mean adhering to Jesus Christ’s call to die to self. It would mean honoring the needs of others over your own. It would mean giving credit where credit is due. And it would mean owning your mistakes and failures rather than covering them with half truths.
This is the very life you are called to live.
Prayer: Lord, may I live out the intent of today’s key verse at work, at home, and anywhere else I go.
