Behavior #1: Talk Straight

What Talking Straight is -

• Telling the truth and leaving the right impression
• Being honest
• Let people know where you stand
• Not manipulating people or distorting facts
• Not spinning the truth
• Not leaving false impressions
  
  

The "Counterfeit" to Talking Straight is  -

• Beating around the bush
• Spinning the truth
• Being technical and leaving a false impression
• Double-talking
• Withholding information

Scripture

• Colossians 4:6: Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone.
• Proverbs 18:21: Death and life are in the power of the tongue
• Proverbs 12:22: "The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy."
• Ephesians 4:25: "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body."

Here are a few notable examples:

1. Jesus Christ

• Honesty and Clarity: Jesus was known for speaking the truth, even when it was difficult or unpopular. He addressed issues directly and often challenged the religious leaders of His time with straightforward messages.
• Example: In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus confronts the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, calling them "whitewashed tombs" (Matthew 23:27). He didn’t shy away from speaking the truth about their behavior and the need for genuine righteousness.

2. Nathan the Prophet

• Courage and Directness: Nathan demonstrated "talking straight" when he confronted King David about his sin with Bathsheba.
• Example: In 2 Samuel 12, Nathan tells David a parable about a rich man who takes a poor man's only lamb. When David reacts with anger, Nathan directly tells him, "You are the man!" (2 Samuel 12:7), revealing David's sin and calling him to repentance.

3. John the Baptist

• Boldness and Integrity: John the Baptist was known for his bold and direct preaching, calling people to repentance and challenging the moral failings of both the general populace and the leaders.
• Example: In Luke 3:7-14, John addresses the crowds, calling them a "brood of vipers" and urging them to produce fruit in keeping with repentance. He also rebukes Herod Antipas for his unlawful marriage (Luke 3:19-20).

4. Paul the Apostle

• Sincerity and Directness: Paul was straightforward in his letters to the early churches, addressing issues head-on and providing clear guidance and correction.
• Example: In his letter to the Galatians, Paul confronts Peter publicly for his hypocrisy regarding Gentile believers (Galatians 2:11-14). Paul’s direct approach aimed at maintaining the integrity of the Gospel message.

5. Moses

• Leadership and Transparency: Moses demonstrated honesty and direct communication as he led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness.
• Example: When Moses received the Ten Commandments, he communicated them clearly to the people and held them accountable to God's standards (Exodus 20). He also confronted the Israelites directly when they sinned, such as the incident with the golden calf (Exodus 32).

Summary

These biblical figures exemplified "talking straight" through their honesty, clarity, courage, and integrity. They communicated openly and directly, even when the message was difficult, thereby earning trust and respect. Their examples highlight the importance of truthfulness and straightforward communication in building trust and leading effectively.

There are several Biblical instances where people did not demonstrate "talking straight" well. Here are a few notable examples:

1. Ananias and Sapphira

• Deception and Lack of Transparency: Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property and kept back part of the proceeds while claiming to have donated the entire amount to the apostles.
• Example: In Acts 5:1-11, Peter exposes their deception, and both are struck dead for lying to the Holy Spirit and the community. Their failure to talk straight and be honest had severe consequences.

2. Jacob (in his early years)

• Deceit and Manipulation: Before his transformation, Jacob used deceit to gain his brother Esau's birthright and blessing.
• Example: In Genesis 27, Jacob deceives his father, Isaac, by pretending to be Esau to receive the blessing meant for his brother. This act of dishonesty leads to family strife and Jacob fleeing for his life.

3. King Saul

• Inconsistent Communication and Broken Promises: King Saul frequently failed to speak and act consistently, leading to mistrust and confusion among his people and advisors.
• Example: In 1 Samuel 15, Saul disobeys God’s command to completely destroy the Amalekites and their possessions, yet he claims to have obeyed God fully. When confronted by Samuel, Saul initially lies and then shifts the blame onto the people.

4. Peter (before Pentecost)

• Denial and Fear: Peter denied knowing Jesus three times out of fear despite having previously declared his unwavering loyalty.
• Example: In Luke 22:54-62, Peter denies Jesus three times, failing to stand by his earlier commitment and speaking dishonestly to save himself from potential harm.

5. The False Prophets

• Falsehoods and Flattery: False prophets in the Old Testament often told people what they wanted to hear rather than speaking God’s truth.
• Example: In Jeremiah 14:13-16, false prophets are condemned for giving false assurances of peace when God had declared impending judgment. Their lack of honesty misled the people and resulted in disaster.

Summary

These examples highlight the negative consequences of failing to "talk straight" in various ways, such as deceit, inconsistency, and fear-driven dishonesty. Such behavior led to broken trust, conflict, and severe repercussions, demonstrating the importance of honesty, transparency, and integrity in communication.