1. The God Who Knows Every WordScripture: Psalm 139:1–4“O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.”Discussion Question: How should the reality that God knows every word we speak—even before we say it—change the way we communicate at home, at work, and in private?2. The Temptation to Make False PromisesScripture: James 5:12“But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.”Discussion Question: Why are we sometimes tempted to make promises we do not intend to keep or to use impressive words to make ourselves seem more trustworthy?3. The Idol of ApprovalScripture: Galatians 1:10“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”Discussion Question: When has the desire to please others tempted you to exaggerate, agree to something you could not do, or avoid giving an honest answer?4. The Idol of ControlScripture: Matthew 5:37“But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”Discussion Question: How might vague answers, such as “I'll try,” “We'll see,” or “Maybe,” become ways of keeping control rather than communicating honestly?5. The Idol of FearScripture: Proverbs 29:25“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.”Discussion Question: Why does pressure sometimes make dishonesty seem like the easiest way out, and how can trusting God help us tell the truth when the consequences are uncomfortable?6. Recognizing the Respectable Forms of LyingScripture: Ephesians 4:25“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.”Discussion Question: Which forms of dishonesty are easiest to excuse—a half-truth, white lie, exaggeration, silent lie, evasive answer, or a lie intended to protect someone—and why?7. Truthfulness in Our Closest RelationshipsScripture: Ephesians 4:15“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”Discussion Question: How can dishonesty damage trust in marriage, family, friendships, or the church, and what does it look like to speak the truth in love?8. Confession and the Pursuit of ReconciliationScripture: Proverbs 28:13“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”Discussion Question: If you realize you have deceived someone, what steps should you take to make things right rather than continuing to cover up your wrongdoing?9. What Our Words Reveal About Our FaithScripture: James 2:17“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”Discussion Question: Why does a persistent pattern of dishonesty raise serious questions about the genuineness of a person's profession of faith, and how should we respond to that warning?10. Reflecting the Character of Our Faithful GodScripture: Colossians 3:9–10“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:”Discussion Question: What is one specific change you can make this week so that your words and actions more clearly reflect the truthfulness and faithfulness of God?
