It Needs to Be Said –Believing in Lies About Others Can Cost You (1 Samuel 20 KJV)

Love Our Post Click & Share:

It Needs to Be Said

Sometimes, believing lies about someone can cost you more than you realize. Lies can destroy trust, peace, and even your walk with God.

It can cost you spiritually
It can cost you financially
It can cost you your relationships
It can cost you your reputation
It can cost you your peace
It can even cost you your life

The Danger of Believing Lies

Believing in lies about a person is a form of betrayal—especially when you never seek the truth. Some people hear something, never confirm it, and go to great lengths to damage another’s reputation and integrity.

Have you ever believed something about someone, only to find out later it wasn’t true? Did you ever make amends? Was there reconciliation?

Biblical Example: Jonathan and David

In 1 Samuel 20 (KJV), David fled from King Saul, convinced Saul wanted to kill him. When he told Jonathan, Saul’s son, Jonathan couldn’t believe it. Yet because he loved David as a brother, he tested the truth—and discovered David was right.

Imagine if Jonathan had dismissed David’s concern? His disbelief could have cost David his life and destroyed their brotherly bond.

“And Jonathan said unto David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever.” (1 Samuel 20:42 KJV)

Discernment and Integrity

God calls us to be people of truth and discernment. The enemy thrives on division, gossip, and falsehood. Believing and spreading lies not only hurts others—it separates us from God’s heart.

Before you believe what you hear, pray for wisdom. Seek truth, not assumptions.

Reflection

Have you ever misjudged someone based on hearsay? What did God teach you through that experience? Take a moment to examine your heart and ask the Lord to show you where forgiveness or restoration is needed.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I believed or spread lies about others. Teach me to seek truth before forming opinions. Help me walk in integrity, discernment, and love. May my words and actions reflect Your heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1 Samuel 20 – A Covenant of Truth and Loyalty

Verses 1–8: David Seeks Truth

And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life?

And he said unto him, God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do nothing either great or small, but that he will shew it me: and why should my father hide this thing from me? it is not so.

And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.

David questions his safety, while Jonathan, his loyal friend, struggles to believe his father could do such harm. This teaches us that sometimes those closest to us may not see the danger we sense — but when we seek God’s truth first, He confirms it in His own way.

Verses 9–17: Testing the Truth

And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee… Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly?

And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field…

Jonathan’s loyalty shines through — he not only listens but acts to confirm David’s fears. In friendship, truth requires courage. God calls us to discern honestly, not through gossip or assumptions, but through faith and integrity.

Verses 18–29: A Plan of Discernment

Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty…

Jonathan devises a plan to reveal his father’s true intentions. This reminds us that wisdom is not rash — it is thoughtful, prayerful, and protective of others. God often gives divine strategy to those walking in righteousness.

Verses 30–34: The Truth Revealed

Then Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan… And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.

When Saul’s rage is exposed, the truth becomes undeniable. Lies and jealousy are always uncovered by God’s light. Even when the truth hurts, it frees us from deception and allows us to walk in wisdom and peace.

Verses 35–42: A Covenant of Peace

And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David… And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord…

Jonathan and David’s bond was sealed by truth and faith. Their covenant reminds us that godly relationships are built on honesty, loyalty, and the shared love of the Lord. Even in separation, their peace was founded in God’s promise.

Prayer: Lord, help us to be people of truth. When rumors arise or deception seeks to destroy, let our hearts cling to integrity. Teach us to test every spirit, to walk in discernment, and to value loyalty as You do. Strengthen our relationships with honesty and Your everlasting peace. Amen.