Proverbs 13:5

The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about hating falsehood:

Proverbs 13:5 (NASV)

A righteous man hates falsehood,

But a wicked man acts disgustingly and shamefully.

Proverbs 13:5 (NIV)

The righteous hate what is false,

but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.

You can tell a lot about people when you observe their response to evil and wrong.   Those who cozy up to sin and to wrong in life demonstrate their infinity for wickedness.   They aren't afraid to associate with shame and disgrace.   In fact they bring it on with their lies and actions.   In contrast is the plight and approach of the righteous.   Note what the above proverb says - they "hate" falsehood.   The word "hate" is very strong.  Earlier in Proverbs we saw the things God hates:

Proverbs 6:16-19 (ESV)

There are six things that the LORD hates,

seven that are an abomination to him:

haughty eyes, a lying tongue,

and hands that shed innocent blood,

a heart that devises wicked plans,

feet that make haste to run to evil,

a false witness who breathes out lies,

and one who sows discord among brothers.

Note what Psalm 15 states about hating or despising the falseness around us:

Psalms 15:4 (ESV)

in whose eyes a vile person is despised,

but who honors those who fear the LORD;

If we are to be like God we will have to hate the same things that God hates.  We can't love falsehood and then claim righteous.  We must always be on the side of searching for truth rather than defending our agenda or cause or opinions.   The wicked will defend their untruths and their own causes even if it brings shame and disgrace.    We can observe others and see how they interact with truth and falsehood.  That will tells us which one they mirror.