Can Others Rely on My Word?

“‘You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.’” (Exodus 20:16 NKJV)

Perhaps the most egregious, fairly recent example of bearing false witness in our society was the confirmation hearing of Justice Bret Kavanaugh, when several “witnesses” came forward with tales of outrageous behavior alleged to have occurred 30-40 years ago, when the nominee was in high school. Over time, it became clear that these were smears, false accusations meant solely to derail his nomination, as a way to hinder the Administration’s efforts to carry out their mandate.

More recently, opposition members in Congress have made outrageous claims about treatment of illegal immigrants on the border, which appear to be either false or exaggerated. Both of these are examples of bearing false witness. Almost more scandalous are those who know such statements to be false and fail to speak up for the truth. As much as the talebearers, such silence is bearing false witness by omission.

In families, churches, businesses or political entities, bearing false witness undermines the trust and credibility of a culture. The actual command is geared toward testimony in a legal proceeding but this principle extends to gossip as well. How often is the name of Christ dragged through the mud of our own issues by sharing or letting be shared tales which may or may not be true. I remember being taught years ago that gossip is “sharing information about another with a third party not affected by the issue and/or who has no ability to help in the situation or no need to know.”

This was important enough that when the rich young ruler asked Jesus what to do to earn eternal life, He told the young man to keep the commandments. The young man asked Jesus, “‘Which ones?’” Among the commandments Jesus cited was, ”’“You shall not bear false witness,”’” (Matthew 19:18-19 NKJV). While our salvation is not earned by honoring this or any of the Old Testament Laws, Paul included being truthful (not lying) as part of his practical instructions of community life for the churches (Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 3:9).

Similar to the Parable of the Talents, where the Master entrusted His servants with certain amounts of money to manage, we are entrusted with the Truth of the Gospel to share. If we can’t be trusted with truthfulness in mundane things, how can others believe us as to the truth of salvation? Our word is our bond; we must make sure it is reliable.