Recently I heard a person condemned for citing incorrect statistics. Was it a mistake or a lie? Did the person believe the statistics were correct, or was there intent to deceive? There is an important difference, both for the one making a mistake/telling a lie and for the one being told.
Mistakes are part of being human.
Lies stem from the father of lies, that is, Satan.
What’s the difference?
Mistakes
We, human beings, do not know everything about anything! We can study endlessly and still get something wrong. We can assess and plan and still get it wrong. We can accurately relate a result only to find out the instrument was faulty. We can trust the judgment of someone else, only to find error.
When we make a mistake, our motive is to have gotten it right.
And, even if our motive was honorable, all actions have results, some negative.
Lies
Lies, on the other hand, involve deliberate deception. The motive is to deceive, aiming for a specific impression or result.
Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices.(Colossians 3:9)
Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son.(1 John 2:22)
A truthful witness saves lives, but he who utters lies is treacherous.(Proverbs 14:25)
Our Response
Mistakes:
Iif a person consistently makes mistakes, especially of the same type, it is an opportunity for a loved one, or a friend or employer, to speak the truth in love. Perhaps the person needs to be better informed. Perhaps the person needs coaching on how to better act in the situation.
If we are the one making repeated mistakes, we need to seek more information, and/or education in how to assess a particular issue and respond appropriately.
Lies:
We are to hate lies.
A righteous man hates falsehood.(Proverbs 13:5)
If we find ourselves lying, we need to recognize we have sinned, confess, and repent.
We need to be watchful of others, assessing accuracy, and distinguishing truth, mistakes, and lies.
If we see others lying, we need to be aware and wise.
Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.(Matthew 10:16)
Prayer
Father, please help us speak the truth in love as we seek to walk in Your way, and glorify You in our lives. Please help us be wise in this troubled and evil world, discerning truth from lie.
