Manipulative Techniques
Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than one who twists his lips, for he is a fool. Proverbs 19:1 (translated by Bruce Waltke)
Twists – It’s unlikely that your English Bible translates this verse the way that Professor Waltke does. But his translation gives you the proper metaphor, one that reveals a good deal about the meaning of this proverb. A man of no means is far better off with personal integrity than a man who uses his speech to manipulate circumstances for personal gain. The poor man with integrity is righteous before God. The other is a fool.
The Hebrew word ‘iqqesh (twists) is found in Deuteronomy 32:5, 2 Samuel 22:27, Psalm 101:4 and Proverbs 11:20. In general, it is a word that describes moral perversion; a crookedness of life that God hates. No one can live with a liar. Twisted lips undermine the foundations of human relationships. In his excellent book, Private Lies, Frank Pitman points out that the collapse of marriage after infidelity is not usually the result of the actual affair but rather the result of the web of deception. Trust is broken because of twists on reality, not just actions.
Most of us would agree, until we reflect on the deeper implications of twisting lips. What are we to say to the manipulative words that come from our mouths? Not really lies, just tiny “spins” on the facts. Just small ways to direct the circumstances in our favor. Just flirting encounters with the edges of morality. All of that gives us a “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” attitude about life. But it’s not God’s way!
How much of a twist does it take to bend a straight line?
The best part about being a Christian is that God never lets a single degree of twist escape His attention. He sends reminders that the path is no longer straight. A tiny prick of conscience, a funny feeling about a word or action, a little whisper of guilt – or something much more obvious, God doesn’t let it pass. We do, much to our later regret, but He never does. Why? Because the straight path tolerates no twists at all.
You don’t have to lie to twist. We all know that. So stop pretending that the only standard is the digital “lie – not a lie” one. Twists make fools. Avoid Chubby Checker and don’t do the twist.
