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Being Honest in a World of Lies: Exploring Truth and Deception From a Biblical Perspective
Being Honest in a World of Lies
is perfect for discipleship, counseling, and small groups. It equips people to speak the truth to one another in love, explores what the Bible says about honesty and dishonesty, teaches how to heal from lies, and so much more. It is ideal for the pastor, parent, and person wanting to explore the topic of honesty.
What others are
Lying is a huge issue in the world, in the church, and in Scripture. This small book deals comprehensively with relevant biblical texts and doesn’t duck the hard questions. It is full of practical examples and convicting applications. I often wished I had a resource I could offer counselees who need to repent of speaking the language of lies and learn the language of truth. This book meets that need.
~ Jim Newheiser, (MA, DMin, Westminster Theological Seminary) is director of the Christian Counseling program and associate professor of practical theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte
With the loss of fear of the holy and supreme God, we are going to see more and more instances of lying and dishonesty in society. A kind of pragmatism is growing, where people think one can excuse lying if it is in the service of a good cause. The church needs to address this problem with frequent, clear teaching from the Bible. This book does that concisely yet sensitively. Its biblical and practical tone could serve to reorient our attitudes and behaviour toward God’s way of thinking.
~ Ajith Fernando, Teaching Director, Youth for Christ, Sri Lanka. Author, Joyful Staying Fresh through the Ups and Downs of Ministry
In this clear, concise book, Rob Nash analyzes the dangers of deceit and points us to the path of truth, honesty, and integrity. Each chapter includes engaging illustrations, helpful diagnostic questions for personal application, and heartfelt prayers that direct our souls to God and his grace. Read this book and experience the freedom and joy that come from walking in the truth!
~Brian G. Hedges, pastor, and author of Christ Formed in You
In Being Honest in a World of Lies, Rob Nash challenges us to examine our ideas about honesty and lies. He doesn't dictate what to believe but presents the issues with clarity and asks insightful questions for reflection—this is a great individual or small-group study guide.
~ Sean Nemecek, Author of The Weary Leader’s Guide to Burnout
Ephesians 4:25 says to put away falsehood and speak truth to our neighbor. I take this to mean being accurate with our speech. Most of us are probably oblivious to how much we exaggerate to make ourselves sound better or our stories more exciting. Even worse, sometimes, we lie to ourselves. This reveals how much we need this book. James 3:2 says if we could tame our tongues, we would be perfect people. This book will help you grow in an area that is a weakness for everyone. This verse alone reveals how much we need this book. You’ll be blessed by Pastor Rob’s humility (yes, he shares his weaknesses in these areas!), research, and insight into God’s word. I highly recommend this book to everyone who wants to grow in the important area of speaking in a godly way.
~ Scott LaPierre, Pastor, Author, and Speaker
What others are
Lying is a huge issue in the world, in the church, and in Scripture. This small book deals comprehensively with relevant biblical texts and doesn’t duck the hard questions. It is full of practical examples and convicting applications. I often wished I had a resource I could offer counselees who need to repent of speaking the language of lies and learn the language of truth. This book meets that need.
~ Jim Newheiser, (MA, DMin, Westminster Theological Seminary) is director of the Christian Counseling program and associate professor of practical theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte
With the loss of fear of the holy and supreme God, we are going to see more and more instances of lying and dishonesty in society. A kind of pragmatism is growing, where people think one can excuse lying if it is in the service of a good cause. The church needs to address this problem with frequent, clear teaching from the Bible. This book does that concisely yet sensitively. Its biblical and practical tone could serve to reorient our attitudes and behaviour toward God’s way of thinking.
~ Ajith Fernando, Teaching Director, Youth for Christ, Sri Lanka. Author, Joyful Staying Fresh through the Ups and Downs of Ministry
In this clear, concise book, Rob Nash analyzes the dangers of deceit and points us to the path of truth, honesty, and integrity. Each chapter includes engaging illustrations, helpful diagnostic questions for personal application, and heartfelt prayers that direct our souls to God and his grace. Read this book and experience the freedom and joy that come from walking in the truth!
~Brian G. Hedges, pastor, and author of Christ Formed in You
In Being Honest in a World of Lies, Rob Nash challenges us to examine our ideas about honesty and lies. He doesn't dictate what to believe but presents the issues with clarity and asks insightful questions for reflection—this is a great individual or small-group study guide.
~ Sean Nemecek, Author of The Weary Leader’s Guide to Burnout
Ephesians 4:25 says to put away falsehood and speak truth to our neighbor. I take this to mean being accurate with our speech. Most of us are probably oblivious to how much we exaggerate to make ourselves sound better or our stories more exciting. Even worse, sometimes, we lie to ourselves. This reveals how much we need this book. James 3:2 says if we could tame our tongues, we would be perfect people. This book will help you grow in an area that is a weakness for everyone. This verse alone reveals how much we need this book. You’ll be blessed by Pastor Rob’s humility (yes, he shares his weaknesses in these areas!), research, and insight into God’s word. I highly recommend this book to everyone who wants to grow in the important area of speaking in a godly way.
~ Scott LaPierre, Pastor, Author, and Speaker
179 pages, Paperback
Published April 29, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 10, 2025
This one felt as in depth as a capstone essay, per se, on honesty, but without the dryness of a college essay. It was very easy and approachable. Rob surprised me by how many different directions he was able to go in one short work. Everything from what even is honesty (kind of fascinating to really think about. What about a joke? Advertising?) to repentance from dishonesty, to praise as a means of redirecting our hearts, to raising honest children, etc etc etc. full of great wisdom from great thinkers across generations and heartfelt little stories from the personal life of the author. Thanks, Rob!
December 21, 2025
Being Honest in a World of Lies offers tools for battling a tendency to lie, addressing dishonesty in others, raising honest children, and counseling those dealing with the ramifications of deceit in our fallen world.
I must commend Pastor Rob for choosing to write about lying. As I have been considering his book, I’ve noticed how often lying is used as a plot device in movies and how influencers lie to themselves and others to gain followers. Lies can destroy lives.
He faced a difficult task, balancing practical advice and pointing people to Jesus, but arming ourselves with the truth is exactly what we need to fight against lying and being deceived. Chapter 14 and the appendices contained much Biblical truth, but I wish it wasn’t relegated to the end. Focusing on the grace of God and magnifying the One who is worthy of our praise and submission would’ve added strength to the definitions in Part 1 and the applications in Part 2. As he pointed out at the end, we need the Spirit to empower us to fight sin and bear fruit. We cannot do it on our own, and we need constant reminders of this.
I appreciated when Pastor Rob identified categories of lies. Everyone has justified dishonesty with an ends-justify-the-means attitude, excusing sin with softer words like flattery, joking, or exaggeration. We may not all struggle with the sin of dishonesty all or even most of the time, but we have all been intentionally deceived others. Exposing these convicting truths and offering a better way is where this book really shines.
Pastor Rob’s humble questioning, the way he sought wisdom in scripture and church history, and his recollection of personal stories thoughtfully prepare readers to extend grace to others. His tone sets the precedent that we’re all sinners in need of grace.
I must commend Pastor Rob for choosing to write about lying. As I have been considering his book, I’ve noticed how often lying is used as a plot device in movies and how influencers lie to themselves and others to gain followers. Lies can destroy lives.
He faced a difficult task, balancing practical advice and pointing people to Jesus, but arming ourselves with the truth is exactly what we need to fight against lying and being deceived. Chapter 14 and the appendices contained much Biblical truth, but I wish it wasn’t relegated to the end. Focusing on the grace of God and magnifying the One who is worthy of our praise and submission would’ve added strength to the definitions in Part 1 and the applications in Part 2. As he pointed out at the end, we need the Spirit to empower us to fight sin and bear fruit. We cannot do it on our own, and we need constant reminders of this.
I appreciated when Pastor Rob identified categories of lies. Everyone has justified dishonesty with an ends-justify-the-means attitude, excusing sin with softer words like flattery, joking, or exaggeration. We may not all struggle with the sin of dishonesty all or even most of the time, but we have all been intentionally deceived others. Exposing these convicting truths and offering a better way is where this book really shines.
Pastor Rob’s humble questioning, the way he sought wisdom in scripture and church history, and his recollection of personal stories thoughtfully prepare readers to extend grace to others. His tone sets the precedent that we’re all sinners in need of grace.
May 6, 2025
Robert Nash writes within the genre of devotional literature. His books provide good content to spur on spiritual contemplation and meditation upon the Bible.
One of Nash's strengths in writing is drawing the reader into deeper contemplation of his topic through masterful story-telling. While he stories entertain, they do not distract. Rather, they bolster the points he aims to make.
Additionally, Nash demonstrates humility through the inclusion of his own experiences, often experiences where he made a wrong decision. When I read, pride quickly erodes my confidence in an author, while humility on the other hands lends great credibility to the author.
This humility seems to be underscored by the reality that Nash is himself incredibly knowledgeable and well-read. His use of pertinent, particular and powerful quotes in every single chapter are great. They often summarize the chapter and prepare me for what lies ahead.
Nash has divided his work into "Foundations" for valuing and pursuing honesty in the first half of his book, and "Application" in the second half. While foundations was helpful in getting a big picture, the application portion was particularly helpful for bringing the truth to bear on my own living.
Things that stood out most:
- Nash provides good definition to what lying is and a large part of that is his treatment on the speakers' intentions. Half-truths that conceal, therefore, are not "off the hook."
- "At the heart of lying is believing in something untrue - a misplaced trust in our ways over God's"
- The commendation to fight sin with worship was awesome. "Praise is a superb countermeasure." So too was his commendation to practice gratitude.
- "How do we know we are speaking the truth in love? We can ask ourselves why we want to share. Are we trying to fix or change a person because they bother us? Or do we genuinely love them?...notice what is going on internally. Do we have our own sins that we need to deal with first...it could be that the drive to correct, rebuke, or educate is more about us that the other person..." This is really...really...good advice.
- There is lots of good practical advice in ch.13 on parenting kids with regard to honesty.
One of Nash's strengths in writing is drawing the reader into deeper contemplation of his topic through masterful story-telling. While he stories entertain, they do not distract. Rather, they bolster the points he aims to make.
Additionally, Nash demonstrates humility through the inclusion of his own experiences, often experiences where he made a wrong decision. When I read, pride quickly erodes my confidence in an author, while humility on the other hands lends great credibility to the author.
This humility seems to be underscored by the reality that Nash is himself incredibly knowledgeable and well-read. His use of pertinent, particular and powerful quotes in every single chapter are great. They often summarize the chapter and prepare me for what lies ahead.
Nash has divided his work into "Foundations" for valuing and pursuing honesty in the first half of his book, and "Application" in the second half. While foundations was helpful in getting a big picture, the application portion was particularly helpful for bringing the truth to bear on my own living.
Things that stood out most:
- Nash provides good definition to what lying is and a large part of that is his treatment on the speakers' intentions. Half-truths that conceal, therefore, are not "off the hook."
- "At the heart of lying is believing in something untrue - a misplaced trust in our ways over God's"
- The commendation to fight sin with worship was awesome. "Praise is a superb countermeasure." So too was his commendation to practice gratitude.
- "How do we know we are speaking the truth in love? We can ask ourselves why we want to share. Are we trying to fix or change a person because they bother us? Or do we genuinely love them?...notice what is going on internally. Do we have our own sins that we need to deal with first...it could be that the drive to correct, rebuke, or educate is more about us that the other person..." This is really...really...good advice.
- There is lots of good practical advice in ch.13 on parenting kids with regard to honesty.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews