Prov. 6:2-3

"You are snared by the words of your mouth; You are taken by the words of your mouth. So do this, my son, and deliver yourself; For you have come into the hand of your friend: Go and humble yourself; Plead with your friend" Prov 6:2-3

Ben Mattlock is famous for it. Perry Mason and even Denny Crane used it as a tool quite frequently. Sure, these are characters in made for TV dramas, but the truth is still there. These men use the guilty person's words to trap them and force a confession.

We certainly have been trapped by our own words in times past. I know I have. That little white lie, the bending of the truth to satisfy my own desires, the twisting of a story to shed the best possible light on my position, all of these are traps that we lay for ourselves. Do you know what the biggest problem liars have? Keeping track of their lies! I'm reminded of the verse that says, "be sure your sins will find you out." That is never more true than with lying. Lies will eventually get you into deep trouble. One particular politician, no names mentioned has gotten himself in many jams with his stretching of the truth.

There is only one cure for lying - tell the truth. That is Solomon's advise. If you are caught in a trap of your own words, go to the person you lied to and confess your sin to him. Plead with him to forgive you. Swallow your pride and admit your guilt.

Ouch! That hurts! We don't like to swallow our pride, it sticks in our throats like dry cornbread. We hate being humbled. But, I ask you, "Which is worse? Being humble before the one you sinned against? Or being caught in a lie (or more likely a series of lies) and have your dishonesty made public in a court of law?" I think Solomon had a good thing going. Best not to stretch the truth - but if you do, confess it quickly. Honesty really is the best policy! Amen and Amen.