How to Self-Destruct

Have you ever told a lie and gotten away with it?

In other words, you lied and no one noticed, no one figured it out.

Whatever you might call it—white lie, fib, fabrication, farce, fairy tale, faulty fact, stretching the truth, half-truth, deception, loop-hole—it is a lie.

When caught in a lie, some people admit that the lie was a lie but try to justify the lie, that is, they try to explain how the lie was a good thing; they make lying out to be the correct behavior. Other people admit their lie but try to rationalize it by explaining how it was necessary; it was wrong, but there was no other way. (Still others simply refuse to admit their lie.)

Why do we (humans) attempt to justify and rationalize lying?

The reason is twofold but simple: We intuitively understanding that lying is wrong and we wish to avoid guilt. At the same time, we do not want to be branded as a liar and lose respect and trust. So, when we lie and begin to sense guilt, the mind then attempts to protect itself with justifications and rationalizations. Both soothe the conscience in to thinking that ‘I’ should not be held responsible for the lie.

You might have seen the conscience illustrated as a person with an angel figure on one shoulder and a devil figure on the opposite shoulder. Each whispers into the closest ear trying to influence a choice, good vs evil. There might be some truth to that illustration, and yet, often the battle is within. The evil desires of the body wish to take control. The human spirit (emotion, intellect, human will) desires control. Worldly desires within try to influence the soul when the soul has placed a value on truth. The conscience stands as judge to make a moral evaluation and render a verdict.

Whether the lie was motivated because of making an embarrassing mistake, failure in accomplishing a task, fear of consequences, or something else, the lie is destructive. That is because there is no such thing as ‘my truth’ and ‘your truth.’ Truth is absolute. Truth is that which exists. Truth is reality. Truth is not dependent on ‘me’ discovering it or learning it. Truth exists with or without ‘you’ and with or without ‘me.’ So, a lie does not change the truth but masks over truth so that reality is hidden.

A lie is meant to present falsehood as reality. When that is done it changes the perception of those around us. Because of the lie that is presented, they believe something that is not true. We all make choices and take action based on our perceptions of truth. So, a lie told may change the perceptions of people so that their actions are based on a deception. And remember, although Eve was deceived by the serpent, she was still held accountable for her actions. Reality DID NOT change.

So, whenever you tell a lie, you should not think that your lie affects only you. Your are selfishly influencing those around you to accept your deception as truth. And the way you influence them may be detrimental to them.

Perhaps even more devastating than the harm a lie does to others is the lie that you tell yourself...that it really does not matter. That’s how you destroy yourself. Through the writing of the wise King Solomon God revealed...

A false witness will not go unpunished,

And he who tells lies will not escape.

—Proverbs 19:5

God is very serious about lying. God is very serious about truth. For the sake of your soul and for the sake of others...always tell the truth.

Mark Stinnett

August 30, 2026

Who Would Rage Against God?

Who in their right mind would be filled with rage against God?

After all, God is our creator. He gives life. He makes the sun shine and the rain fall on the earth for the benefit of all people. He sent His Son to redeem mankind. Yet, Solomon wrote:

The foolishness of man subverts his way,
And his heart rages against the LORD.
--Proverbs 19:3

Foolishness is a lack of understanding and discernment. A foolish person is one who does not consider the consequences of his choices. He just blunders along thinking everything will somehow work out.

Subvert means to twist, pervert or ruin.

His way refers to the actual ‘path of life’ along which a person walks. It involves the reasoning behind the choices, thought, speech and behavior. It also includes the thinking behind daily decision and long-term plans. It is descriptive of one’s direction in life and its outcome.

To subvert his way is to change course in life. It describes a generally good direction being twisted or perverted so that the person goes in a different direction and experiences a different outcome. His foolishness is behind it all.

Rage is a word that describes a constant ongoing anger that affects one’s overall disposition. It is not just a flash of anger from a hot temper.

The proverb describes people who desire to go along the path of life without opposition to their choices. They want to “live and let live” and enjoy tolerance. Yet, ultimately, their expectation is that everybody would tolerate their thinking, their behavior, their speech, their rights, their choices, their values. When they encounter any kind of opposition to their way, they cry out, “Don’t judge me!”

They are foolish because they blunder through life without a thought of the consequences of their choices. Then when things do not go well, they become angry...even angry at God.

In our day they include those who take marriage casually: Those who desire the sexual privileges of marriage, yet do not marry; who are unfaithful to their spouse; who swap spouses; who quit one marriage for another without thought; who engage in homosexuality.

Oddly, many who are sexually immoral claim faith in God while discrediting His word. Where their choices are condemned in the Bible they claim that it is outdated or wrong or misinterpreted. After all, God surely accepts them just the way they are…because God made them the way they are. They worship a god of tolerance.

Many churches and preachers stand under the banner of God and Christianity, yet do not hold to God’s teachings. In foolishness they ‘subvert the way’ for many who wish to find acceptance regardless of their attitudes and behaviors.

In truth, God will accept anyone who comes to Him in faith. Yet, He intends to transform people into the image of Christ, not tolerate their life of sin. God is holy and He demands holiness.

So, it should be no surprise that when confronted with the glaring reality of God’s unchangeable holiness, many lash out in rage. Do not take it personally when people who reject the Scriptures are corrected. Their rage is against God.

There is a battle. It is not about issues and arguments; it is about souls. There are many who can out-argue you; many who stubbornly refuse to listen. We must lift up Jesus in love.

Be on guard for yourself. Be wise.

Mark Stinnett

Are The Proverbs Believable

Every word of God is tested;
He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
--Proverbs 30:5

God’s word has already been tested. There is no need for us to test or evaluate God’s word to see if it holds true. For example:

Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, 
But the hand of the diligent makes rich. 
 —Proverbs 10:4

Is it necessary for you to try this out before you believe it? Do you need to research this saying by observing the results of others who are either negligent or diligent in their work? Does it upset you or make you doubt when you think of people who are ‘exceptions’ having seemingly struck it rich in other ways such as: inheritance, get-rich-quick scheme, lucky find, auction treasure, etc.?

Discipline your children while there is hope.
Otherwise you will ruin their lives.
—Proverbs 19:18 (New Living Translation)

Has modern research governed our thinking about discipline? Who wants to test this proverb on their own children only to find out that God had it right? Do you know children that appear to be exceptions (they had no discipline in the home but turned out great, and vice versa)? If so, would you be willing to omit discipline and just cross your fingers and wish for your child(ren) to turn out great?

Do not carouse with drunkards or feast with gluttons, 
     for they are on their way to poverty, 
     and too much sleep clothes them in rags. 
 —Proverbs 23:20–21 (New Living Translation)

What would it take to test this proverb? How long to prove it true or false? Do we look at teachings like this but disregard the warning about those with whom we spend our time? Can I associate with evil and not be affected?

The Proverbs do not stand as neutral teachings subject to the testing and approval of man.

In the first proverb quoted here, to ‘take refuge’ in God is to trust His word even when it seems to go against the wisdom of our day. It will serve as a protection to you just as a shield protects a warrior on the battlefield.

God’s word is true. It is trustworthy. It is ready for use.

Embrace the Proverbs. Embrace the truth of God’s word. Here are four more proverbs for our day that are important to live by:

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, 
And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city. 
—Proverbs 16:32

A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, 
but physical discipline will drive it far away.
 —Proverbs 22:15 (New Living Translation)

A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, 
Favor is better than silver and gold. 
—Proverbs 22:1

Do not let your heart envy sinners, 
But live in the fear of the Lord always. 
—Proverbs 23:17

You will need to supply only one thing: genuine faith.

Mark Stinnett

Do You Think This is an Odd Pair?

Quick! Fill in the blank…

The rich and _______________.

You might have though of a synonym like wealth: The rich and wealthy. You might have thought of something that compares with, or goes along with rich, like power: The rich and powerful. Or, you might have considered a contrasting idea, like poor: The rich and poor.

My simple point is that there are familiar ways that things are paired together. With that thought in mind, take a look at this proverb:

     Better is a poor man who walks in integrity

     Than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool. 

     —Proverbs 19:1

What did you expect to be paired with ‘poor man’?

It might not be obvious at first, but the ’poor man’ is compared to 'the fool,' i.e. the 'foolish man.' The poor man’s way of life is described by the phrase, 'who walks in integrity.' The fool’s way of life is described by the phrase, 'who is perverse in speech.' Now that we have the parts of proverb matched up, how do we make sense of this saying?

The word 'poor' in this proverb comes from one of eleven different Hebrew words to describe the poor. It is used almost exclusively by Solomon and indicates destitution. How does it strike your mind that a destitute person would walk in integrity? In many ways poverty and integrity are odd partners. A man who is destitute lacks the basic needs of life. He probably does not have a place to live (homeless). He has nothing that resembles a wardrobe of clothing, but has only the clothing on his back. He does not have enough food. It is an understatement to say that he is in need.

Now, imagine a destitute man with integrity. That means that even though he has virtually nothing, he is a man of good character. He is an honest man, reliable and fair in his dealings with others. He is morally good. Judging him by his worldly possessions, he is empty and practically worthless; yet judging him by his character, he is complete.

Compared to the poor man of integrity is the fool who is perverse in speech. Used primarily in the Book of Proverbs the Hebrew word for perverse means to twist or to make crooked. It is used to describe sin. So, perverse speech suggests the sin of deception.

Perverse speech describes the way of the fool. It is curious that the Hebrew term used in this verse for fool literally means to be fat. It has a positive sense of strength, though it is usually used in a negative sense of heaviness and inactivity, therefore often translated with terms such as stupid and fool/foolish. However, the idea of strength appears to fit this context when compared to a parallel proverb (Proverbs 28:6).

     Better is the poor who walks in his integrity

     Than he who is crooked though he be rich.

     --Proverbs 28:6

In both proverbs crookedness or perversity of speech might even be the means by which the individual became strong/rich.

The lesson is simple, but so difficult for people to embrace:

We would all agree that it is better to be strong/rich than to be destitute. However, if strength and riches are accompanied by sin, they are of no real value. The man of integrity is better off even if he is destitute of the world’s goods.

So, “Do I have to give up my possessions to be a man or woman of integrity?” Wrong question!

Rather, we should ask ourselves: “Am I a man/woman of integrity?”

Do you value integrity???

ANOTHER ILLU$ION

   Wealth adds many friends, 
   But a poor man is separated from his friend.
   --Proverbs 19:4

What does this proverb tell you about friends?

It would seem that some friends can be rather fickle. Lots of folks would love to be your friend as long as you have money. But when the money is gone, they are gone too. 

Friends like that are sometimes called ‘fair-weather friends.’ They are friends in good times (fair weather), but not in bad.
(Remember the 'friends' of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15?)

What does this proverb tell you about wealth and poverty?

At first glance, it would seem that wealth is better than poverty. After all, wealth assures a person of many friends. However, if we understand that wealth attracts fickle friends, we see the true nature of wealth. Wealth can only create the illusion of friends.

Think about marriage vows for a moment. Typical marriage vows include the lines:
   For better or for worse;
   For richer or for poorer.
In other words, the marriage vows assure the bride and groom that their relationship is based on something much deeper than money and 'fair weather' circumstances.

Wealth is overrated.
Wealth creates illusions of grandeur.
Wealth has no benefit after this life.
Have you ever watched a wealthy person die? It is not their wealth that gives them confidence. It is not wealth that calms their fears.

The lesson is not to hate wealth and love poverty. That does not make sense. Rather, we must view wealth as neither good nor evil. However, it IS an illusion.

Don’t be fooled by the illusion.
Wealth will not insure true friendship.
Those who accept you or reject you based on your wealth or poverty are not real friends. So, don't chase after wealth and its illusion.

Self-Devastation

Do you remember the first time you lied and you got away with it?

Do you remember when you were finally convinced that lying just wasn’t worth it?

I do not know whether either of these questions apply to you. However, it is likely that you know someone that lies and seems to get away with it. No conscience. Lying is simply a part of life.

I worked with a man who, just a few days before retirement, advised a young coworker, “Never admit that you are wrong; never admit a mistake.” (Translation: Lie to cover your mistakes.)

What the older man did not realize is that everyone already knew. He could not hide all his mistakes, so everyone knew that he lied. He had no conscience and no integrity. No one really cared that he retired (except, perhaps, his wife).

How foolish we are to think that we will really get away with our lies.

     A false witness will not go unpunished, 
     And he who tells lies will not escape.
     --Proverbs 19:5

We have a number of words in the English language to describe lying. It does not matter what word is used; it does not matter how subtle the lie or how minor its impact. A lie is a lie.

I wonder if the most devastating lie is the one we tell ourselves...that it really does not matter!

Why Some Believers Hate God

Who in their right mind would be filled with rage against God?

The atheist would not rage against God; he doesn’t believe in God. So, this question must be directed to those who claim some degree of faith in or acceptance of God. So, who in their right mind would be filled with rage against God?

Isn’t it God who created the world?
Isn’t it God who created mankind?
Isn’t it God who breathed life into living things?
Isn’t it God who makes the sun shine and the rain fall on all men?

Who would rage against God . . . ?

   The foolishness of man subverts his way,
   And his heart rages against the LORD.
   --Proverbs 19:3

Here are a few important words in this proverb:

Foolishness - This describes the way of the fool first seen in Proverbs 1:7 who lacks understanding and discernment. He does not consider the consequences of his choices.

Subvert - means to twist or pervert.

His way - refers to one’s “way of life”; how a person thinks and conducts himself in general.

Rage - This anger word refers to an ongoing anger that affects one’s disposition (not just a flash of anger); vexation.

The proverb describes believers of our day who are filled with anger when they hear that God does not approve of their way of life. They are the sexually immoral who insist that the Bible does not condemn their lifestyle. They are the individuals who stand against anyone who would have the audacity to speak against their behavior. “Do not judge me,” they cry. They are the ones who cannot allow for biblical truth to contradict their established conclusions about life.

They are people who want to claim a belief in God, yet they discredit the simple teachings of the Bible. There seems to be something about God that appeals to them (perhaps, mercy and grace), however they have no intention of changing their thinking and behavior from their current way of life.

Because they lack understanding and discernment they have twisted the path of life on which they walk. They lack true knowledge of God. So, when they are confronted with the glaring reality of God’s unchangeable holiness, they refuse to accept the reality of their sin. Then, as a result, they lash out in rage against God.

It would seem that Solomon wrote this proverb for our day. It gives us insight into the mind of many in our society today who claim to be religious, even claim to believe in Christ, yet refuse God's divine revelation of scripture.

Be on guard. Do not let the foolishness of our age twist your way. Do not be influenced by those who rage against God!

Be wise.