Proverbs 16:2

All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.

Proverbs 24:12

If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?

One of the most common sins of human nature is deception. Even with our sweet, darling, little children, we have to teach them to be honest, not to lie. We are so masterful of deception that we even deceive ourselves sometimes.

When I read Proverbs 16:2, a picture came to mind of a gift box, beautifully wrapped with a bow. Pleasing to the eye. Everyone feels positive about it because the outside looks so good. But God knows what’s on the inside. No matter how much “wrapping” we use to cover up our true motives behind what we say, they are an “open box” before the Lord. Proverbs 16:2 was “mildly” telling me that I can’t hide.

Proverbs 24:12 was more direct. It was like a parent telling their child, “Look…didn’t I tell you that you can’t hide from me? But you tried anyway. Now, let me make it plain. Not only do I know what you’re thinking, but I’m gonna deal with you based on what you’ve done….you can’t hide from me.”

The “hook” is that our thoughts, our true motives, determine our actions. So we might as well be honest before a holy God. He knows it all anyway and we will experience consequences for our deception.

So, fess up…you can’t hide nothin’.