Therefore, putting away lying, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.

(Ephesians 4:25 NIV)

Robert Thornton, a professor at Lehigh University, got tired of writing letters of recommendation for students or employees with questionable qualifications, so he created what he humorously called the Lexicon of Inconspicuously Ambiguous Recommendations, or LIAR for short.

His goal was to craft statements that could be taken two ways — sounding like praise to the candidate, but clearly hinting at problems to the reader. Some examples:

• For someone lazy: “In my opinion, you will be very fortunate to get this person to work for you.”
• For the disagreeable: “I am pleased to say that this candidate is a former colleague of mine.”
• For the unproductive: “I can assure you that no person would be better for the job.”
• For the unqualified: “I would urge you to waste no time in making this candidate an offer of employment.”
• And for the unimpressive: “All in all, I cannot say enough good things about this candidate or recommend him too highly.”

This list is meant to be funny, but it also strikes a little too close to home. We understand the temptation behind it. We don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings, but we don’t want to lie outright either.  So we find clever ways to blur the truth. We call it being diplomatic or tactful — but sometimes it’s really just being deceptive.

Scripture, however, doesn’t leave room for that kind of double talk. Paul writes in Ephesians 4, “Therefore, putting away lying, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.” (v. 25 NIV) As followers of Jesus, truth-telling isn’t optional — it’s essential. We represent the One who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6 KJV) 

In a world where spin, exaggeration, and half-truths are normal, genuine honesty stands out. People should be able to take our words at face value — whether in a recommendation letter, a business meeting, or a casual conversation.

We are called to be honest because we belong to one another, and truth builds trust. When we speak truthfully, we not only honor God, we also reflect his character to a world in desperate need of it.

Prayer: Lord, you are the God of truth. Help me to speak honestly in every situation, even when it’s uncomfortable.  May my integrity point others to you, the One who is truth itself.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Alan Smith
Reprinted with permission from Alan Smith’s Thought For the Day