Bearing False Witness
Exodus 20:16, 23:1-2,
Proverbs 19:5,9, 24:28-29, 25:18,
Acts 6:8-15, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Know that what comes out of our own mouths says a great deal on who we are as people and about our faith. Many people say things to hurt others, to exact revenge, or to destroy an enemy. To accomplish this evil scheme people not only tell facts about another individual, but embellish their tale with various amounts of lies.
People lie because of hate, anger, envy and fear. However, bearing false witness goes beyond these emotions. The person who practices (yes they have a track record of doing this deed many times) bearing false witness wants other people to hate and be angry with them. They want allies to support and justify their bent scheme to ruin their foe or to get what they want. Thus, bearing witness moves to purposeful gossip.
God hates the sin of a false witness as it goes beyond lying and into the realm of trying to “murder” the character or reputation of a good person. God protects the righteous people. So, those who attack those doing good by using false words or vengeful deeds are not practicing love.
Satan, in the spiritual realm, is the accuser of God’s believing saints and has even accused God of false claims. Bearing false witness about God is called blasphemy and is not forgivable.
We need to learn several things from this lesson. Speak truth always and do not spread information that we are not sure of about others. If you have an issue about another person speak directly to the person you have a problem with and resolve it, if possible. However, speak with love, not anger or hate. Remember, “Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord.”
-Michael Zerkich
Image by Zedzap (flickr)
