The Royal Law: Liars & False Witnesses - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) January 13, 2023
We continue reviewing the Royal Law from the perspective of how we communicate. Previously, we considered gossips and slanderers but today, we focus on liars and those who give false witness against others.
Proverbs 6:16-19 - There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.
For a long time, I wondered why the Lord took the time to distinguish between someone with a lying tongue (A.K.A. a liar) and a false witness who pours out lies and is therefore, also a liar. Fortunately, the Lord clarified the distinction. A liar tells untruths - big and small. However, a false witness is a type of liar whose words hold weight and can negatively impact someone else. Imagine, for instance, a witness lying against somebody in court. The consequence could be severe.
The fact God highlighted different types of liars should catch our attention. The Bible goes on to spotlight other types of liars and what becomes of them. Proverbs 19:5 - A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free. Lying was such a big deal, the Lord included it in the Ten Commandments. Deuteronomy 5:20 - You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. Further, He instructed in Leviticus 19:11 - “’Do not steal. “’Do not lie. “’Do not deceive one another. Notice that deception is also a form of lying to the Lord, though many consider it better than telling an outright lie. However, where there is deception, there is often a lie in waiting. Ananias and Sapphira were deceptive and said what they likely thought was a tiny lie. They each died on the spot (Acts 5:1-11).
On some level, most know that lying is wrong. However, many do not realize how intensely God hates the act. As a result, telling 'white' lies is thought to be inconsequential. Far too many craft large webs of untruths thinking the end justifies the means. And there are those skilled in deception who wield it as a weapon. In each of these cases, the liars sadly ignore God's word and thereby use their mouths and fingers to fall into the category of those God hates and has promised to destroy (Psalm 5:6).
As self-professing believers we must be aware of the need to be truthful as it gains us access to the Lord (Psalm 15:1-5). We must also treat others as we want to be treated. Ask yourself, did you ever enjoy being falsely accused? Did it make you happy to learn that an untruth was spreading about you? If any part of you can identify with those questions, then please think long and hard before sharing an untruth. Never give false witness against someone. And do all you can to not be deceptive. Sure, there are times when you can't share information even when a straightforward question was posed. In such cases, the solution is not to lie. Instead, rely on God for the wisdom to answer - or not answer - without deception and lies. This will require being intentional and prayerful to receive such grace in advance.
Unfortunately, all of us have told an untruth but praise the Lord, He offers us forgiveness when we sincerely repent. King David is an example of someone who was deceptive and lied in the way he killed Uriah (2 Samuel 11). Thankfully, he humbled himself before the Lord and was washed clean of his sins. You and I have an opportunity to do the same and receive God's mercy today. May our Heavenly Father forgive us and help us remain mindful of what He desires. May He teach us how to communicate in a manner that honors Him in obedience and express the love we receive from Him to others, IJMN, Amen.
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