“A lie is an abomination to the Lord, and a very present help in trouble,” said American politician Adlai Stevenson. His cynical combination of unrelated scriptures implies that there are times when lies seem easier and even beneficial to us.

But the Bible informs us Satan is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). It may take more effort and thought to express only truth, but we gain in stature as far as character goes. Even what we call “white lies” hurt us. We know we are not telling a truth, and unless we stop saying untruths, we will become bolder and quicker in the use of lies. When we lie, we are the losers.