How can we guard against bearing false witness like in Acts 6:13? Setting the Scene Acts 6:13: “They presented false witnesses who testified, ‘This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law.’ ” Stephen’s opponents twisted his words and set up lies to silence him. Scripture treats this sin with utmost seriousness because it attacks both truth and neighbor. Why False Witness Is So Serious • Breaks the ninth commandment (Exodus 20:16) • Listed among the seven abominations God hates (Proverbs 6:16-19) • Destroys reputations, divides communities, and distorts justice (Proverbs 17:15; 25:18) • Grieves the Holy Spirit, who is “the Spirit of truth” (Ephesians 4:30; John 16:13) Practices That Guard Our Tongues • Slow down: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19). • Verify facts before repeating them (Proverbs 18:13, 17). • Speak only what you know personally to be true (Ephesians 4:25). • Refuse gossip and slander; change the subject or walk away (Proverbs 20:19). • Use words to build up, not tear down (Ephesians 4:29). • Remember we will answer for every careless word (Matthew 12:36). Cultivating a Truth-Loving Heart • Daily intake of God’s Word, “the word of truth” (Psalm 119:160; John 17:17). • Prayerful self-examination: “Search me, O God… see if there is any offensive way in me” (Psalm 139:23-24). • Confession and repentance whenever we discover half-truths or exaggerations (1 John 1:9). • Ask God to set a guard over the mouth (Psalm 141:3). Accountability Within Community • Invite trusted believers to correct you when your words drift from truth (Proverbs 27:6). • Submit to biblical church discipline that protects against unchecked slander (Matthew 18:15-17). • Model integrity at home and work so others see consistency between speech and life (Psalm 15:1-2). When Others Bear False Witness Against Us • Respond with truth and grace, following Stephen’s example (Acts 6:15). • Maintain a clear conscience before God (1 Peter 3:16). • Entrust vindication to the Lord, who judges justly (Romans 12:19; 1 Peter 2:23). • Keep proclaiming Christ; opposition should not silence gospel witness (Acts 7:51-60). A Closing Word of Encouragement “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech” (1 Peter 3:10). Truth-filled speech protects our neighbors, honors God, and marks us as faithful disciples in a world that desperately needs the light of honesty. |
    |