Deuteronomy 5:20 Neither shall you bear false witness against your neighbor. I. THE SIMPLE INTENTION OF THE COMMANDMENT. It demands truth in the statement, directly or indirectly made, by man to man, concerning man. The intercourse of men with each other is to depend upon actual facts of character, conduct, and capability. II. HOW THE COMMANDMENT MAY BE VIOLATED. 1. By false evidence given in courts of justice. 2. By the lie invented and distributed with malicious intention. 3. By repetition of some report without careful investigation. 4. By a hint, a suggestion, or an adroit question. Stigma has been cast upon many a fair reputation by such a question as, "Have you heard about Mr.—?" The answer being given in the negative, the questioner says, "Ah, well, the least said soonest mended." Nothing further can be drawn from him, but an unfavourable impression has been created, and the innuendo had all the deceiving effect of false witness. 5. By silence. 6. By the imputation of ulterior, selfish, or sordid motive. "Ah, yes; he knows what he is doing." "The gift was only a sprat to catch a mackerel." "He knows what side his bread is buttered on." 7. By flattery. To utter unwarranted praise, to give a testimonial of character, or to recommend a man simply out of friendship for him, while we know him to be unworthy of the testimony we bear, is to inflict injury upon the person to whom he is thus recommended. III. APPLICATION TO PRESENT-DAY QUESTIONS. 1. This sin is terribly prevalent among individuals today. It would be a somewhat startling revelation if records could be taken of all the conversations at afternoon teas, Dorcas meetings, and all those institutions at which women do congregate. There is no doubt that men are also guilty of much wrong-doing in this way, but it seems a peculiarly, favourite form of iniquity among women. 2. Nations and societies, as well as individuals, may be guilty of the sin of false witness. It seems today the perpetual habit of certain sections of the Press to impute motives to foreign nations, and for politicians to heap contumely and abuse on their opponents. Half the unrest in Europe may be said to be due to false witness borne by one nation against another through the Press. (G. Campbell Morgan.) Parallel Verses KJV: Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour.WEB: "Neither shall you give false testimony against your neighbor. |
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