Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. – Ephesians 4:29
The essence of lying is saying what will achieve the desired result, irrespective of whether it is the truth.
Gossip
This involves passing on news about another person that may or may not be true. Someone has likened gossip to ripping open a feather pillow on a windy day. The feathers fly in the wind, and once they’re out, there is no way you can ever gather them back in.
Flattery
This is saying to someone’s face what you would never say behind their back. You want them to like you, so you tell them how wonderful they are, even though it bears little relation to reality.
Exaggeration
You want to impress, and so you overstate what you said or did, taking credit that belongs to someone else. Or, you’re looking for sympathy, so you overstate the wrong that was done to you, because you want the other person to feel sorry for you. Lying is saying whatever will achieve the desired result, irrespective of whether it is the truth.
Instead of using harmful words, God calls us to use our words in love to build others up.
Which of these forms of unwholesome talk are you most prone to? Number them from 1 (most prone) to 3 (least prone).
