When You’re Tempted to Exaggerate [Commercial Broker #82]
- Staff
- Jul 13
- 2 min read
Scripture
“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor.” — Ephesians 4:25 (ESV)
Devotional
In a relationship-driven business, it’s easy to exaggerate—to overstate interest on a listing, inflate the size of your network, or imply stronger momentum than you really have. Sometimes the exaggeration is subtle: “We’ve got a lot of activity” (when you don’t), or “Everyone is looking for this kind of space” (when they aren’t).
Exaggeration may seem harmless, but it slowly dulls your sensitivity to truth. Over time, it becomes habit. You begin to believe your own spin. Clients make decisions based on an inaccurate picture, and trust erodes once reality surfaces.
As a follower of Jesus, your words are meant to be trustworthy. You can speak with energy and optimism without bending reality. It’s okay to say, “We’re still early in interest, but here’s our plan,” or, “I don’t know yet, but I’ll find out.” Honest clarity may feel less impressive in the moment, but it builds a foundation of credibility over time.
God doesn’t need your exaggeration to open doors. He honors truth.
Reflection Questions
In what situations am I most tempted to stretch the truth to sound more successful or create urgency?
How can I practice being both hopeful and honest in my language?
Prayer
Jesus, You are the Truth. Convict me whenever I exaggerate, and train my tongue to speak plainly and honestly, trusting You with the results. Amen.
Sign up to receive daily email devotionals.
Want to go deeper?
Download The Divine Purpose of a Commercial Broker eBook, study guide, and additional materials to help you integrate your faith into every part of your career.
This devotional is designed to encourage you as you live out your faith in the workplace. It works best when paired with regular time in Scripture, prayer, and worship—the rhythms through which we grow to know Christ more deeply and become more like Him.
Comments