Values and Promises of the Ten Commandments Lesson 09 - You Shall Not Bear False Witness Against Your Neighbor
Let’s read Exodus 20:16 together.
“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”
What does it mean to bear false witness? Let’s read Proverbs 14:5 together for the Bible’s definition.
“A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness will utter lies.”
We are all taught from childhood that lying is wrong. Perhaps some of you heard of the famous tale of George Washington admitting to his father he chopped down a cherry tree by answering, “I cannot tell a lie.” (Ironically, that story is most likely not historically true.)
We know that lying has severe consequences. Perhaps you have been in a situation where you caught someone in a lie, or you were the one caught lying. If you want to consider a historical example, President Richard Nixon’s presidency was destroyed when it was found out that he lied about his knowledge of the Watergate burglary.
The Bible has several examples of people lying. Jacob lied to steal his brother Esau’s birthright and ended up fleeing from home, never to see his mother again (Genesis 27:1-43). Ananias and Sapphira lied to the apostles about the price they sold a possession for and died as a result (Acts 5:1-11). Jesus Christ was convicted by the Sanhedrin on the basis of false testimony from two liars.
Let’s read Proverbs 6:19 together.
“A false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.”
Did you know the ninth commandment goes farther than just lies? Gossip is a more socially accepted form of false witness that many, if not all of us, have engaged in. We should be true witnesses to others, not false witnesses.
What is a true witness? Let’s read Proverbs 14:25 together.
“A true witness delivers souls, but a deceitful witness speaks lies.”
We need to be careful with what we say. Words can hurt. Words can maim. We should seek to uplift people with our words, not to speak ill of them or tear them down. Most importantly, we should witness to people the truth and share the Gospel like Jesus did.
God values truth. He promises that He will change your heart so that you can give voice to a true witness (Luke 6:43). Will you be a true witness for Jesus?
