16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
The Christian is to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, always. Once again, it is an issue of integrity. Let's begin by defining the word itself. What is a false witness? A false witness is anyone who bears witness either through conversation or testimony a word about another that is less than or different than the total known truth. You can be a false witness in a court of law, in a personal dispute, or in idle conversation. You are a false witness if you repeat one idle word of gossip that is either untrue or unnecessary to the conversation.
You are a false witness if you, by word or deed, undermine the character or integrity of another to another other than the one in question. You are a false witness anytime your words or facial expressions indicate an unhealthy attitude towards another while you are pretending to be to that person anything different. Anything you say or do that consciously or unconsciously could be used against another makes you a witness against them. If it is unnecessary or at all less than true, you are a false witness. It is an issue of integrity. The Bible has a lot to say about bearing false witness. Let's take a look at some of those principles:
Principle 1- God hates it. God hates it when we bear false witness or bend the truth in any way affecting another. Proverbs 6:16 tells us that there are six things that are an abomination to the Lord and seven things that God hates. In verse 19 the list includes "a false witness that speaks lies".
Principle 2- A false witness is deserving of whatever penalty the wronged defendant would suffer. Deuteronomy 19:16 says this -
16 If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him that which is wrong,
17 Then both the men between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the Lord, before the priests and the judges.
18 The judges shall make an inquisition and behold, if the witness be a false witness and hath testified
falsely against his brother,
19 Then he shall do unto him as he had thought
to have done unto his brother. So shalt thou
put evil away from thy midst.
Read more HERE
No comments:
Post a Comment