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77_You shall not bear false witness

Ex 20:16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

It was a sunny afternoon in a small-town courtroom when Ms. Martha, a kind and gentle schoolteacher, was accused of stealing money from a community fundraiser. The evidence seemed overwhelming—witnesses claimed they had seen her near the cash box just before it disappeared. As the trial unfolded, one witness stood out. He confidently recounted seeing her take the money, his words dripping with certainty.

But when the defense lawyer presented a security video from that day, the courtroom gasped. The footage clearly showed Mrs. Martha helping a student far away from the cash box during the alleged time of theft. The “witness” had lied, hoping to tarnish her reputation for personal gain. Mrs. Martha was acquitted. However, doubts about her trustworthiness, and the damage to her reputation, lingered in the minds of some people.

This is the power of bearing false witness. It’s not just about courtrooms or legal testimonies—it’s about the harm caused when truth is twisted, even in casual settings. The ripple effect of lies and misrepresentation extends far beyond what we can see. Exodus 20:16 commands: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”

For many, this is about speaking the truth when testifying in court. While that’s certainly part of it, the commandment encompasses much more. Some translations put it as, “Do not tell lies about others.” This expands the scope to include any false representation of others, whether by withholding part of the truth or embellishing a story with untruths. Most of us are guilty of breaking this commandment, often during casual conversations, gossip, or passing on rumors.

The impact of bearing false witness in a court of law is profound. When truth is distorted, justice is denied. The guilty may go free while the innocent suffer punishment. Truth and justice go hand in hand. In Israel’s society, reflecting the righteousness of God was crucial, and the people were to avoid any falsehood that perverted justice. Exodus 23:1-3 elaborates on this, saying, “You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness. You shall not fall in with the many to do evil…” Even if the majority followed the path of falsehood, God’s people were called to stand apart.

The seriousness of this commandment is highlighted in Deuteronomy 19:16-20, where God commanded that a false witness bear the same penalty he sought for his victim. This ensured that evil would be purged from the community and served as a deterrent. Proverbs also offers strong warnings: “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.” (Proverbs 19:5). Another striking image comes from Proverbs 25:18: “A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.” False testimony wounds deeply and leaves scars that are slow to heal.

False witness also includes slander, exaggeration, and even editing that distorts the truth. Often, the root of false witness lies in our desire to harm, elevate ourselves, or conform to group pressure. Doeg the Edomite is spoken of in 1 Samuel 21-22. Doeg saw Ahimelech the priest give provisions to David, not knowing that he was fleeing from King Saul. Later, Doeg reported this to Saul but twisted the facts, implying that Ahimelech was conspiring against the king. The result? Saul ordered the massacre of Ahimelech and his entire family. Doeg’s deceit led to unspeakable tragedy.

Psalm 52, written around Doeg’s treachery, describes the destructive power of a deceitful tongue: “Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, you worker of deceit. You love evil more than good, and lying more than speaking what is right.” (Psalm 52:2-3). False witness is not just an external act but reflects the heart’s condition. But in Psalm 51:6 we see, “Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.”

God’s standard for truth is rooted in His character. Revelation 1:5 reminds us that Jesus Christ is the faithful witness. Every word He speaks is trustworthy, and His witness brings life, not destruction. When Christ stood on trial before His crucifixion, false witnesses were brought against Him. (Matthew 26:59-61). Their lies led to the ultimate miscarriage of justice: the condemnation of the sinless Son of God. Yet, even in the face of falsehood, the Lord remained steadfast as the embodiment of truth, declaring,” For this I came into the world, that I might bear witness to the truth..”

The victory of truth over falsehood is assured in Christ. Though it may seem like lies triumph for a season, God’s justice will prevail. As followers of Christ, we are called not only to avoid false witness but also to actively pursue truth. Jesus commissioned His disciples in Acts 1:8, saying, “You will be my witnesses.” To be a witness for Christ means to testify to His truth with our words and actions. This requires integrity, courage, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 15 paints a beautiful picture of the person who walks closely with God: “He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor… He who does these things shall never be moved.” (Psalm 15:2-3, 5). Truthfulness begins in the heart. It’s not just about avoiding lies but about cultivating a love for truth in every aspect of our lives.

Practically, this means keeping watch on our speech and motives. Let us speak with honesty and integrity. Let us be careful not to pass on gossip or engage in slander. Let us not embellish or distort facts for personal gain. Truthfulness also involves restraint. Proverbs 10:19 says, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” Sometimes, the wisest course is to remain silent rather than risk speaking falsely.

Truth is not just a principle but a person: Jesus Christ. As we abide in Him, and His word in us, His truth transforms our hearts and guides our speech. We are called to be people of truth, reflecting God’s justice and love in our words and actions. Let us, like the psalmist, pray, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3).

Let us obey the leading of His Spirit and live as truthful witnesses, bringing justice, and glory to His name. God bless.