How can we avoid being "a false witness who gives false testimony" today? Where the Problem Starts Proverbs 6:19 includes “a false witness who gives false testimony” among the seven things the Lord hates. The language reaches back to the Ninth Commandment (Exodus 20:16) and forward to every arena where words can bless or injure. False testimony is never just about courtroom perjury; it is any distortion of truth that harms another’s reputation, relationships, or standing. Seeing God’s Heart on Truth • “You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another.” (Leviticus 19:11) • “Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor.” (Ephesians 4:25) • “The LORD detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy.” (Proverbs 12:22) God’s own character is truth (Isaiah 65:16; John 14:6). To misrepresent reality is to misrepresent Him. Practical Guardrails for Our Lips 1. Slow down before speaking • “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” (James 1:19) • Pausing allows facts to surface and emotions to settle. 2. Verify, don’t assume • Check sources, ask clarifying questions, and confirm motives. • “The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.” (Proverbs 18:17) 3. Avoid embellishment • Stick to what you actually know; resist adding color for effect. • “Let your Yes be Yes, and your No be No.” (Matthew 5:37) 4. Refrain from gossip and hearsay • If you are neither part of the problem nor the solution, hold your peace. • “Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict dies down.” (Proverbs 26:20) 5. Own and correct mistakes quickly • If you discover you’ve repeated an error, acknowledge it and make restitution. • “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” (James 5:16) Cultivating a Truth-Shaped Inner Life • Daily intake of Scripture tunes the conscience to God’s standards (John 17:17). • Praying Psalm 139:23-24 invites the Lord to expose hidden deceit. • Surround yourself with friends who value honesty and will challenge any careless talk (Proverbs 27:6). • Memorize verses on integrity—Proverbs 10:9; 11:3; 19:5—and recite them when tempted to shade the truth. Walking in the Footsteps of the True Witness Revelation 1:5 calls Jesus “the faithful witness.” Following Him means our words must echo His. By embracing His Spirit (John 16:13), we receive both conviction and power to speak straight. When truth governs our hearts and tongues, we not only avoid being false witnesses; we bear credible testimony to the One who is Truth incarnate. |
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