Read Proverbs 20.
"Trust me", they say. But are they trustworthy? What establishes trust is verification or performance. Did their words prove true? Did they do what they promised?
The Bible holds in highest regard a person's faithfulness. It is a serious matter to the LORD. Our world treats truth as relative. Deceit is acceptable. Lying is rationalized and excused. Verse 6 asks the question, "...a faithful man who can find?"
1. Claims.
Substitute words for a lack of truthfulness in claims or accomplishments include exaggeration and overstatement. How many times in recent years have high-profile people been caught with false claims on their resumes or plagiarism in their writings? Some can look right into the camera or under oath and lie.
2. Commitments.
Everyday people make promises to lenders to pay on time over a period of years. They sign their name to the contract to be faithful. The ultimate commitment in life is marriage. Before God, family and witnesses the couple makes a lifelong promise, no matter what the circumstances. The vow states "until death" but at least 50% of marriages do not last that long. Usually, it is one party who decides to violate the trust and are unfaithful. Instead of being embarrassed and humbly dealing with the sin, the guilty party wants to simply and pridefully walk away.
3. Conduct.
Verse 23 refers to how one conducts their business. Some are willing to say anything to make a sale or cheat to get ahead. But, accuracy is important to God who watches every transaction.
Faithfulness is a character issue of integrity. Those who know Jesus are to reflect His character in every moment. He is ever trustworthy and so are His followers to be. "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)
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