As a kid of the sixties I would watch black and white westerns on Saturday morning and loved John Wayne movies. Often an Indian Chief would say, "White man speak with forked tongue!" because they were promised one thing and the white man did something else. The forked tongue of the desert snake comes to mind as a reptile which lays in wait for prey to come into sight and then strike. All of this was done by deception and craftiness.
Matthew 10:16 reminds us since we are to go out among the wolves we are to be shrewd as a snake. Jesus is not talking about our conversation but the means and methods of living with and dealing with the non-believer. Yet, no where is deceit or lying a part of this plan. In fact, among the world's people, honesty in speech does more than programs of evangelism.
We know the sayings about used car salesmen and politicians. We expect truthfulness from others but do we demand the same truthfulness in ourselves? We remember the saying from Bambi--"If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all!" but, truthfulness requires the truth spoken in all circumstances. If you promise something but do not deliever, then you have not been faithful to your spoken word.
Honest is the best policy and it requires a dedication to the truth. Just as Jesus said he was the way, the truth, and the life. Followers of Jesus must also exhibit the same standard so others will trust you. Then you can show them the real Truth.
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