By Ogova Ondego
Lying is as natural as breathing is to humans among whom
lying, according to behavioural scientists, begins between the ages of two and three years.
Everyone, not just pathological liars, lies as demonstrated by various figures in the Bible, a book that holds sway among Kenyans and Africans.
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- Abraham lied that Sarah, his wife, was his sister out of fear (Genesis 12 and 20)
- Cain lied about killing Abel (Genesis 4:9)
- Ananias and Sapphira lied about their contribution to the early church (Acts 5:1-11)
- Sarah denied having laughed at the promise of having a child (Genesis 18:15)
- Isaac lied that his wife, Rebekah, was his sister (Genesis 26)
- Jacob deceived his father, Isaac, to receive the blessing intended for Esau (Genesis 27)
- Joseph’s brothers lied to their father, Jacob, that Joseph had been mauled to death by wild animals (Genesis 37)
- Rahab lied to the king of Jericho’s guards to protect the Hebrew spies (Joshua 2)
- Samson repeatedly lied to Delilah about the source of his strength (Judges 16)
- David lied to Ahimelech about his mission and deceived Achish about his allegiances (1 Samuel 21 and 27)
- Gehazi lied to Elisha to obtain gifts from Naaman (2 Kings 5), and
- Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit regarding the proceeds of a sold property (Acts 5).
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All we can say is that the default mode for all humans is telling lies as it comes naturally due to the desire for self-preservation. Humans can learn how not to tell lies, though.
It’s important to note the following points about humans and their propensity for lying:
1). Lying is a normal human trait
2). Lying is a universal human behaviour
3). Most humans lie one to two times per day
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4). Humans lie:
i). to protect themselves
ii). to boost their self-image
iii). to avoid conflict
iv). to manage social interaction
v). for humour
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5). Human’s lying stems from:
i). fear
ii). insecurity
iii). desire to control information
6). Though a natural human trait, lying can, and does, erode trust and damage relationships.
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#lying #relationships #trust #communication #fear
#insecurity
#control #protection #selfimage #conflict #kenya #africa
