Proverbs 12:22, like so many other proverbs, is straightforward and to the point.
Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.
This proverb makes no distinction between white lies, little or otherwise, and big flapping whoppers. A lie is a lie. The Lord Jesus finds them detestable. It could be because He Himself is the Truth.
By contrast, those who deal faithfully are God’s delight.
What is faithfulness? It is in contrast to “lying lips.” Make no mistake, the image presented here in this proverb is that the faithful are honest and true. They do not merely give “lip service” to believing in God and following Jesus. They prove it by their actions.
The Hebrew word translated into “faithfulnes” in this proverb is emunah. Its literal meaning is firmness, or steadfastness. Alternatively, fidelity.
I believe fidelity is the right idea. The meaning behind the word fidelity is strict allegiance to something. When we speak of marital fidelity, we mean that a person is absolutely faithful to their spouse, so faithful they won’t even look at anyone else with impure thoughts. That’s some serious allegiance. It’s also the kind of allegiance our Lord is looking for.
Sadly, we live an in an age when so many Christians mix allegiance to the savior of their soul with patriotic fervor for their country. That is not fidelity. It is closer to lying lips, for one cannot serve two masters.
Where does your fidelity lie? Are you sold out to Jesus Christ, or is there something else pulling at your attention?
Allen Taylor is the author of I Am Not the King.