"A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue."
— Proverbs 17:4 (NIV)
Not every lie is loud. Some come in subtle whispers—through headlines, conversations, lyrics, even thoughts that sound like truth. And the danger is not only in the telling—but in the hearing.
Giving ear to lies means opening your heart to deception. It's not simply about being tricked. It's about choosing to believe what feels convenient, comfortable, or culturally acceptable—even when it contradicts the Word of God.
God calls His people to walk in truth. That means we must love the truth, listen to the truth, and reject every voice that twists it.
The Ear Is a Filter
You can't always control what you hear. But you can control what you believe.
Every day, your ears are bombarded by messages—from people, media, music, culture, and your own inner dialogue. And not all of it is true.
Lies about God: "He doesn't care." "He won't forgive you."
Lies about yourself: "You're worthless." "You'll never change."
Lies about others: "They're against you." "They don't deserve mercy."
Lies about sin: "It's not that serious." "Everyone's doing it."
These voices come from the enemy, from the world, and from the flesh. If you don't actively guard your ears with the truth of God's Word, you will begin to absorb these lies—and eventually live by them.
"For the time will come when people will not endure sound doctrine... they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths."
— 2 Timothy 4:3–4
Truth isn't always popular. And lies often come packaged in appealing language. That's why discernment isn't optional—it's essential.
Modern Lies That Enter Through the Ears
The enemy has many channels to deliver deception. Lies often come through:
Secular songs that glorify rebellion and self-worship
Media that mocks righteousness and redefines morality
Friends who "mean well" but encourage compromise
Preachers who twist Scripture to fit culture or self-interest
Self-help messages that idolize independence from God
Internal voices that accuse, belittle, or justify sin
The danger isn't just in hearing these lies. The danger is in giving them space to grow—letting them settle, repeating them, and eventually letting them shape your thinking.
What Happens When You Believe Lies
Giving ear to lies creates spiritual instability. The foundation of your faith begins to crack. Over time:
Truth becomes blurry
Conviction weakens
Sin becomes justifiable
Fear replaces faith
God's voice becomes harder to recognize
Jesus said Satan is the father of lies. Every falsehood, every distorted truth, every twisted belief has one goal: to separate you from God.
How to Guard Your Ears from Lies
1. Know the Truth Deeply
The best way to detect a lie is to be rooted in truth. Study Scripture consistently. Let it be your lens for everything.
(John 17:17 – "Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.")
2. Test Every Voice
Not every voice is from God. Compare every teaching, thought, or message with Scripture. If it contradicts His Word, reject it.
(1 John 4:1 – "Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.")
3. Refuse to Entertain False Teachings
Don't allow twisted doctrine or misleading speech to play in your ears. Turn it off. Walk away. Change the channel.
(2 John 1:10 – "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them.")
4. Ask God for Discernment
The Holy Spirit gives believers insight and clarity. He will alert you to deception if you ask Him.
(John 16:13 – "When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth.")
5. Speak the Truth to Yourself
Replace lies with truth daily. Declare God's promises aloud. Let His Word reshape your inner dialogue.
(Psalm 119:11 – "I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.")
Prayer for Discernment
"Father, I confess that I've listened to things I shouldn't have. I've welcomed lies that distorted how I see You, myself, and others. Cleanse my hearing. Root me in Your Word. Let Your truth be the loudest voice in my life. Help me reject every whisper of deception, and fix my ears on the voice of the Shepherd. In Jesus' name, Amen."