“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately corrupt; who can understand it? “I the LORD search the mind and try the heart, to give to every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.”” (Jeremiah 17:9–10, RSV)
Recently, a group of women were asked how they rated all the other women in the room according to their appearance. Every woman rated the looks of the other women as a 9 or 10 out of 10. Essentially, the women saw all the other women in that room as almost perfect in beauty. The room was filled with women who were obese, women who were tattooed, women who worked in pornography, women who dressed richly as well as women who were dressed casually. Still, the women all rated each other as practically perfect. The men did not. Some women were rated by the men as a 3 or a 5 or an 8. Only a couple women were rated higher than an 8. What was going on here? Is there a difference between how men and women see beauty or judge looks? When pushed further, one woman said, “I rate the other women according to how I want to be rated. Inside, I am a 10 out of 10. Every woman wants to be a 10 out of 10.”
Based on the responses given in this interview, those who studied the results summarized that if a woman was a 3 out of 10 to every man in the room, the women will lie to that woman to prop her up. The women gave high ratings to other women to signal to the other women that they should give each other a 10 out of 10.
After the session was over, one of the psychologists in the room explained that, collectively, the women didn’t want to know their real rating of beauty. They would rather be under the illusion that they are a perfect 10. When pushed, one woman explained to the psychologist who led the study that a woman will sometimes rate an “uglier” woman higher in order to appear kinder and more considerate, while inwardly glad she herself isn’t as ugly!
What is going on here? Is beauty an illusion? Do men and women see beauty differently? After reviewing this study, I concluded that many people will be kind to another person in order to manipulate that person to be kind back, lie to another person in order to receive accolades, or twist the truth depending on the situation.
Do men also fudge the truth or twist the facts? Without a doubt. When asked their weight and height on a survey, men usually gave a lighter weight and a taller height. Why? Women are attracted to thinner and taller men. Also, men like to appear more fit. There are many reasons behind this response. All are attempts by men to appear healthier and more desirable.
Based on all the evidence shown so far, do you see how people can “play with” the truth? Most people would rather tell a “white lie” or half-truth in order to appear kinder or to fit in. Many find it hard to accept the truths of life. Older people don’t want to accept the fact that on average they are getting older and fatter and out of shape . Younger people have a difficult time seeing themselves as naïve and lacking worldly experience when it is a simple fact of life!
When faced with a very sinful generation, the prophet Jeremiah had to declare that the human heart “is deceitful above all things, and desperately corrupt” (Jeremiah 17:9). Jeremiah observed his fellow Jews worshipping other gods while proclaiming themselves as faithful to Yahweh (Jeremiah 3:21-22). Murders were being committed. Violence was commonplace (Jeremiah 22:17). Supposedly respectful people were sinning shamefully while projecting an air of righteousness and honor. Leading Jews were secretly worshipping idols in places like the Valley of Hinnom (Jeremiah 32:35, Jeremiah 3:6). There was hidden as well as open disobedience before God (Jeremiah 3:22). Adultery and fornication were rampant (Jeremiah 5). God demanded the people of Israel and Judah repent and turn from their evil ways. God reminded the people that they would be judged “every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings” (Jeremiah 17:10).
If you look closely at our scripture for today from Jeremiah 17, it is clear that God looks past all the excuses, deceptions, manipulations, white lies, and fakery of the human heart. God will judge what is actually in your heart. God will not sugar-coat the truth in order to be accepted. God will not accept false promises in order to appear as Lord. Jeremiah reminded his own people that God looks deep into the heart of a person to see whether there is godliness or godlessness, truth or half-truths, righteousness or sinfulness, faith or doubt.
In the depths of your heart, there are things that others may not see. God can see the real you. God knows what you hold most dear, what you hide from others, your real motives. God can see past the games you may play, the lies you tell yourself, the hidden realities. God knows you intimately. So, what lies in your heart? Have you been honest with God? As in the days of Jeremiah, does your heart remain deceitful and corrupt? Have you atoned for your sin? Are you willing to speak God’s truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)? Are you willing to admit that your heart has been deceitful, that you have lied to yourself and others, and that your ways have not always been obedient to Almighty God?
The best place to start with God is with HIS truth. Open yourself up to God. Accept the fact that your heart may be deceived. Acknowledge that you have sinned. Be obedient. Judgment Day is coming. There is time to cleanse your heart of unrighteousness and let go of the worldly lies you once told yourself. God knows you. God knows what you need. God is ready to make things right if you are ready to come clean (Jeremiah 3:22). You will find real joy and peace only when your heart is freed from deceit and filled with the Holy Spirit!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Righteous God, I come before you today as a sinner. My heart has hidden things from my past. I have refused to acknowledge the truth. I have been disobedient when I should have been faithful. I have told lies to cover my failings. I have judged others wrongly. My mind can play with the truth. My life is filled with temptations. My heart can desire the worst of things.
I ask for forgiveness above all! I cannot allow sin to corrupt my life. Instead of lying to myself and others, help me to be righteous before You! Lead me to mercy! Let me see how much I need Your grace!
In Jesus’ name, I am learning to be righteous in Your eyes, Heavenly Father! Because of the Holy Spirit, I seek to understand the gospel and make things right. Thank You for saving me! Thank You for loving me enough to forgive my weakness and uplift my soul!
Today, I desire to worship You above all, oh Lord my God! I want to be closer to You! I want to be more obedient! I want to follow Your will. I devote my life to You again! I am committed to honoring You! I give You all my thanks and praise!
In Christ, I offer this prayer. Amen.
Based on the responses given in this interview, those who studied the results summarized that if a woman was a 3 out of 10 to every man in the room, the women will lie to that woman to prop her up. The women gave high ratings to other women to signal to the other women that they should give each other a 10 out of 10.
After the session was over, one of the psychologists in the room explained that, collectively, the women didn’t want to know their real rating of beauty. They would rather be under the illusion that they are a perfect 10. When pushed, one woman explained to the psychologist who led the study that a woman will sometimes rate an “uglier” woman higher in order to appear kinder and more considerate, while inwardly glad she herself isn’t as ugly!
What is going on here? Is beauty an illusion? Do men and women see beauty differently? After reviewing this study, I concluded that many people will be kind to another person in order to manipulate that person to be kind back, lie to another person in order to receive accolades, or twist the truth depending on the situation.
Do men also fudge the truth or twist the facts? Without a doubt. When asked their weight and height on a survey, men usually gave a lighter weight and a taller height. Why? Women are attracted to thinner and taller men. Also, men like to appear more fit. There are many reasons behind this response. All are attempts by men to appear healthier and more desirable.
Based on all the evidence shown so far, do you see how people can “play with” the truth? Most people would rather tell a “white lie” or half-truth in order to appear kinder or to fit in. Many find it hard to accept the truths of life. Older people don’t want to accept the fact that on average they are getting older and fatter and out of shape . Younger people have a difficult time seeing themselves as naïve and lacking worldly experience when it is a simple fact of life!
When faced with a very sinful generation, the prophet Jeremiah had to declare that the human heart “is deceitful above all things, and desperately corrupt” (Jeremiah 17:9). Jeremiah observed his fellow Jews worshipping other gods while proclaiming themselves as faithful to Yahweh (Jeremiah 3:21-22). Murders were being committed. Violence was commonplace (Jeremiah 22:17). Supposedly respectful people were sinning shamefully while projecting an air of righteousness and honor. Leading Jews were secretly worshipping idols in places like the Valley of Hinnom (Jeremiah 32:35, Jeremiah 3:6). There was hidden as well as open disobedience before God (Jeremiah 3:22). Adultery and fornication were rampant (Jeremiah 5). God demanded the people of Israel and Judah repent and turn from their evil ways. God reminded the people that they would be judged “every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings” (Jeremiah 17:10).
If you look closely at our scripture for today from Jeremiah 17, it is clear that God looks past all the excuses, deceptions, manipulations, white lies, and fakery of the human heart. God will judge what is actually in your heart. God will not sugar-coat the truth in order to be accepted. God will not accept false promises in order to appear as Lord. Jeremiah reminded his own people that God looks deep into the heart of a person to see whether there is godliness or godlessness, truth or half-truths, righteousness or sinfulness, faith or doubt.
In the depths of your heart, there are things that others may not see. God can see the real you. God knows what you hold most dear, what you hide from others, your real motives. God can see past the games you may play, the lies you tell yourself, the hidden realities. God knows you intimately. So, what lies in your heart? Have you been honest with God? As in the days of Jeremiah, does your heart remain deceitful and corrupt? Have you atoned for your sin? Are you willing to speak God’s truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)? Are you willing to admit that your heart has been deceitful, that you have lied to yourself and others, and that your ways have not always been obedient to Almighty God?
The best place to start with God is with HIS truth. Open yourself up to God. Accept the fact that your heart may be deceived. Acknowledge that you have sinned. Be obedient. Judgment Day is coming. There is time to cleanse your heart of unrighteousness and let go of the worldly lies you once told yourself. God knows you. God knows what you need. God is ready to make things right if you are ready to come clean (Jeremiah 3:22). You will find real joy and peace only when your heart is freed from deceit and filled with the Holy Spirit!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Righteous God, I come before you today as a sinner. My heart has hidden things from my past. I have refused to acknowledge the truth. I have been disobedient when I should have been faithful. I have told lies to cover my failings. I have judged others wrongly. My mind can play with the truth. My life is filled with temptations. My heart can desire the worst of things.
I ask for forgiveness above all! I cannot allow sin to corrupt my life. Instead of lying to myself and others, help me to be righteous before You! Lead me to mercy! Let me see how much I need Your grace!
In Jesus’ name, I am learning to be righteous in Your eyes, Heavenly Father! Because of the Holy Spirit, I seek to understand the gospel and make things right. Thank You for saving me! Thank You for loving me enough to forgive my weakness and uplift my soul!
Today, I desire to worship You above all, oh Lord my God! I want to be closer to You! I want to be more obedient! I want to follow Your will. I devote my life to You again! I am committed to honoring You! I give You all my thanks and praise!
In Christ, I offer this prayer. Amen.