Pro 29:12 | MHM | STEP | The Danger of Listening to Lies This section warns about the serious problems that come when leaders or anyone in authority listen to lies. The commentary explains that believing lies not only leads to wrong decisions but also encourages others to lie and spread false information. This creates a bad environment where dishonesty grows. v. 12 : The verse teaches that it is a great sin, especially for rulers, to hearken to lies . When leaders believe lies, they make wrong judgments about people and situations. This also encourages others to bring them more lies, because they know the leader will listen. In this way, the leader becomes just as guilty as the person who tells the lie. If a ruler listens to lies, soon all his servants are wicked (Proverbs 29:12 ). The people around him will either be lied about or will start lying themselves to please the ruler. Everyone who has the ruler’s ear will fill it with slander and false stories. If leaders allow themselves to be fooled, they will be surrounded by dishonest people, and much of the blame will fall on them for encouraging such behavior.

‏ Proverbs 29:12

The Danger of Listening to Lies

This section warns about the serious problems that come when leaders or anyone in authority listen to lies. The commentary explains that believing lies not only leads to wrong decisions but also encourages others to lie and spread false information. This creates a bad environment where dishonesty grows.

v. 12: The verse teaches that it is a great sin, especially for rulers, to hearken to lies . When leaders believe lies, they make wrong judgments about people and situations. This also encourages others to bring them more lies, because they know the leader will listen. In this way, the leader becomes just as guilty as the person who tells the lie. If a ruler listens to lies, soon all his servants are wicked (Proverbs 29:12 ^a). The people around him will either be lied about or will start lying themselves to please the ruler. Everyone who has the ruler’s ear will fill it with slander and false stories. If leaders allow themselves to be fooled, they will be surrounded by dishonest people, and much of the blame will fall on them for encouraging such behavior.