The novice twists a truth and his deceit is quickly laid bare by the investigator. But the veteran of wickedness twists a thousand truths, so as to overwhelm those who would try to sort it all out. To the disproof of the one, he answers with 999 lies, making a mockery of truth by his show trial of unreasonable reasons. And then he prances around as the victor when the challenger throws up his arms and walks away.

This is his rage against the truth. It is as if he were angry that nobody can make him stop the twisting—though he refuses that most practical and practicable strategy of making himself stop it, though he knows full-well better, for he utterly hates it when someone lies to him on those occasions when he happens to want the truth. So even his lashing out is a lie, for he ought to lash inward and make himself cut it out. But instead, he lashes out and pollutes not only the hearts of others, but his own heart. He has sold his soul to deceit—as if to Belial himself—and stabs at anyone who will not share in it with him.

And who can count the blows such a man will receive when finally, it is out of his hands, and he falls into the hands of that Judge who does not throw up his arms in impatience but lets the matter play out for as long as it takes to bring the incorrigible to justice, and to unravel every lie?

And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating.

Jesus. Luke 12:47. ESV.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

Paul. 2 Corinthians 5:10. ESV.