Introduction
Truth is priceless. Without the truth a person cannot know what to believe or do. Furthermore, if a person's good reputation is destroyed by slander or gossip, he loses a great treasure,
In order that we preserve the truth and protect one another's name, God has given us the Eighth Commandment.
The Eighth Commandment
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God, so that we do not lie about, betray or slander our neighbor, but excuse him, speak well of him, and put the best construction on everything.
- What is false witness?
False witness is every untrue or unkind statement about our neighbor in court or daily life. - When do we bear false witness in court?
We bear false witness in court when we- make a false charge,
- lie or withhold the truth (perjury), or
- knowingly pass an unjust sentence.
Bible Example: The witness and judges against Naboth
Bible Example: The witnesses against Jesus
Bible Example: Pilate's unjust sentence - When do we bear false witness in daily life?
We bear false witness in daily life when we- lie about our neighbor,
- betray him, or
- injure his reputation by slander or gossip.
Bible Example: Potiphar's wife lied about Joseph.
Bible Example: Judas betrayed Jesus.
Bible Example: Absalom slandered David. - Should we ever speak about our neighbor's sins?
When concern for the truth and for our fellowmen requires it, we should speak to our neighbor or the proper authorities about his sin.
Bible Example: Joseph reported the evil conduct of his brothers.
Bible Example: Jesus revealed the hyposcrisy of the teachers of the law and the Pharisees. - What does God require of us in the Eighth Commandment?
In the Eighth Commandment God requires that we- always be truthful and sincere toward our neighbor,
- excuse him as far as the truth will permit,
- speak well of him and
- put the best construction on everything.
Bible Example: Jonathan spoke well of David.
Bible Example: The Jewish elders spoke well of the centurion. - How has Jesus fulfilled the Eighth Commandment for us?
Jesus has fulfilled the Eighth Commandment for us by- speaking only the truth,
- showing perfect love toward all people, and
- enduring false accusation in our place, especially during His Passion.
Conclusion
Most people want to hear good things about themselves, but they are often inclined to speak evil about other people through lies, gossip, perjury or slander. These things are hateful to the God of all truth, who says: "A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who pours out lies will perish (Pro 19:9). Christian people want to follow the exmaple of their Savior, who "committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth" (1Pe 2:22). Christian people want to speak "the truth in love" (Eph 4:15).
Hymn
And let me promise naught
But I can keep it truly,
Abstain from idle words,
And guard my lips still duly;
And grant, when in my place
I must and ought to speak,
My words due pow'r and grace;
Nor let me wound the weak. (ELH 470:3)
Bible Readings
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