A Detestable, Stinking Weed
Lying is a detestable, stinking weed that makes men like devils, and a righteous man hates and abhors it.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the destructive nature of lying, identifying Satan as the father of lies and the originator of sin. He explains that lying not only reflects the character of the devil but also corrupts those who engage in it, making them resemble him. Brooks asserts that true believers, who fear the Lord, detest lying and strive to distance themselves from it, recognizing it as a vile and detestable sin. He encourages the faithful to abhor lying in themselves and others, highlighting the importance of truth in the life of a righteous person.
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"You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to
carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from
the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no
truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native
language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." John 8:44
Satan is the father of all sins, as well as the father of lies.
By lying, he first brought sin into the world. Satan began
his kingdom by a lie, and by lies he still labors to uphold it.
He is the inventor and author of all the lies which are in the
world. "The devil's breasts," says Luther, "are very fruitful
with lies." Liars are the devil's children by imitation. There
are none who resemble him so much to the life, as liars do!
They are as like him as if they were spit out of the his very
mouth. Lying is a part of the devil's image. Other sins make
men like beasts; but this sin of lying makes men like devils.
Such as truly fear the Lord, they hate lying. Psalm 119:163,
"I hate and abhor lying." Proverbs 13:5, "A righteous man
hates lying." Lying is a detestable, stinking weed, and
therefore a righteous man abhors to touch it, he hates to
come near it, and can by no means endure the scent of it
in others--least of all in himself!
Sermon Outline
- The Devil as the Father of Lies
- The Consequences of Lying
- The Righteous Man's Response to Lying
- Hatred for Lying
- Abhorrence for Lying
Key Quotes
“Lying is a part of the devil's image.” — Thomas Brooks
“Lying makes men like devils.” — Thomas Brooks
“Lying is a detestable, stinking weed, and therefore a righteous man abhors to touch it,” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We should hate and abhor lying, just like a righteous man does.
- Lying is a sin that's deeply rooted in the devil's nature, and we should fear the Lord to overcome it.
- We should be careful not to touch, come near, or endure the scent of lying in ourselves or others.