Proverbs 25:18 (KJV)
A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
The Scripture clearly warns about the destructive power of false testimony, comparing it to a weapon that inflicts deep wounds. Lies and false accusations have a damaging impact, harming the individual they target and the broader community. It clearly illustrates the destructive power of words, comparing deceitful speech to the sharp edge of a razor. Throughout the Bible, it is clear that a false witness will not go unpunished. Jeremiah 9:3 says, “And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.” We live in a world where many are bent on lying; just as a bow bends to shoot an arrow, so are the tongues of the people shooting poisonous arrows of untruth. God strictly prohibits bearing false testimony since no good can come from untruthful testimony. Our God condemns those who condemn the innocent. Proverbs 6:16,19 says, “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” Bearing false witness against a person, family, or church is an evil deed that can have devastating effects. Those who bear false witness are in danger of God’s judgment, and profiting from the misfortune of others will not go unpunished. Exodus 20:16, the ninth Commandment, states, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.” The conspiracy to present false testimony is unpardonable because it represents potential homicide in the heart of the false witness.
The lifestyle of falsehood is a deadly enemy of destiny. Telling lies against anyone or the church is an evil deed that can have devastating effects. By all standards, lies are the devil’s greatest weapon to enslave people into falsehood. So, anyone existing in falsification also dwells with the father of lies. As followers of Christ, we can expect that people will sometimes make false accusations against us, but hear Jesus’ encouragement in Matthew 5:11–12, “Blessed are you when people falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven.” No matter what others say about us falsely, we rely on God’s Word. Psalm 119:69–70 says, “Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law.” Let us be careful when jumping to conclusions, even when things appear beyond doubt. Such assumptions can sometimes attract God’s wrath and condemnation. Some arrange for others to testify against particular individuals to discredit them or their ministry. These testimonies have ridiculed and disqualified some people from a specific office, position, or imminent promotion. Many are all over the place bearing false witness against their neighbor, thinking it is for fun. However, let us mark the evil way, how the wicked walked, and how they ended. It is a warning to every heaven-bound citizen.
Beloved, there will always be false accusers and naysayers, but you have to make up your mind to speak the truth and avoid the way of falsehood. Refrain from being carried away by insincerity. Focus on being genuine in everything you do; there’s no need to struggle for the approval of others. Whatever it will cost you, insist on the truth because the accusers cannot keep you from your destiny. They don’t define who you are! They don’t determine your worth and value! You are a child of the Most High God, the Creator of the universe who breathed life into you. Turn away from the accusing voices to focus on the destiny God has prepared for you! Engaging in discussions based on sound knowledge and accurate information is essential. As a Christian, you do not have any business peddling lies or falsehoods. Be sure you have all the facts before accusing your spouse, children, or anyone else. Hasty judgments can lead to bitter regrets. Examine yourself to see if you exhibit any trace of falsely accusing anyone in your character and repent. Undo any false testimony you have given in the past. Go and meet the one you lied about and ask for their forgiveness. Yes, it can be humiliating, but you do it, or God will never let you go unpunished. Even the devil will fight you, and you will never have peace. Today, open your heart to the Lord; He will enable you to conquer this liability to bear false witness. Remember, biting words can come back to bite.
O Lord, I refuse to exist in falsehood. I receive the grace to live in truth always in Jesus’ Name.