Proverbs 26:24-26

Merry Christmas! Today's devotion has nothing to do with Christmas itself, but it felt wrong not to say anything.

    24      He who hates, disguises it with his lips,
    And lays up deceit within himself;
    25      When he speaks kindly, do not believe him,
    For there are seven abominations in his heart;
    26      Though his hatred is covered by deceit,
    His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.
-Proverbs 26:24-26

Often times we find ourselves wanting to believe what people say on the surface level. Most of us have found the unfortunate reality that talk can be cheap. While we may generally want to give people the benefit of the doubt, there is no question that they can very well can lie through their teeth. For a man who is filled with bitterness and hatred, we must be careful how we interact with him. Do not trust empty words. Behind them is a wickedness that we want to keep ourselves from. Seek that the Lord would give you wisdom among such men. While you may not see through the deceit, the Lord does, and He will make that clear in the judgment. Trust in the Lord for discernment and it will do you well. Be certain that you walk in love, as the Lord has first loved you. This will keep you from becoming such an individual as this.