17 Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.
18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.
21 No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
Obviously, the truth makes things more clear and lies do the opposite. But because our words matter, what is said can either bring pain or healing to others. The good news is that truth has more staying power than lies. Sometimes it may not seem that way, but in the long run I think it is true. Part of the reason is the inherent value is truth over falsehood. Another reason is that honest/positive speech gives power and peace to the speaker. Deceit brings it's own trouble. There is a natural cause and effect is created by God's description of truth as delight and lies as an abomination. There is a gravity in what we say, not only in it's importance, but also in the natural pull it has.
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