Proverbs 25:18
Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow
is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.
Note God’s standard of justice. To slander another person is equal to striking him with a weapon. To lie with the intent to damage a neighbor is an act of violence. Think about this the next time you are tempted to exaggerate the truth or fail to tell the whole truth.
Like the effect of a weapon, the damage lingers and may be permanent. The lie spreads and the neighbor’s reputation cannot be reclaimed. Or if it is, the damage against his well-being has already been made.
Consider the term “false witness.” It infers that you are a witness and as such to be trusted. This is not passing on gossip. It is making a claim that you witnessed the deed or the evidence. How much more then will you be held accountable before God.
“But he lied about me!” All the more reason not to resort to the same tactic and thus lend credence to his slander. All the more reason to carefully speak the truth, even speak the truth in love to the honor of Christ whom you represent. Remember that God sees and knows perfectly all that takes place, even the motives of the heart. It is for him to justify. Our responsibility is to be a true witness for the cause of Christ.
Psalm 115
Not to us, Lord, not to us
but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness.2 Why do the nations say,
“Where is their God?”
3 Our God is in heaven;
he does whatever pleases him.
4 But their idols are silver and gold,
made by human hands.
5 They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but cannot see.
6 They have ears, but cannot hear,
noses, but cannot smell.
7 They have hands, but cannot feel,
feet, but cannot walk,
nor can they utter a sound with their throats.
8 Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them.9 All you Israelites, trust in the Lord—
he is their help and shield.
10 House of Aaron, trust in the Lord—
he is their help and shield.
11 You who fear him, trust in the Lord—
he is their help and shield.12 The Lord remembers us and will bless us:
He will bless his people Israel,
he will bless the house of Aaron,
13 he will bless those who fear the Lord—
small and great alike.14 May the Lord cause you to flourish,
both you and your children.
15 May you be blessed by the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.16 The highest heavens belong to the Lord,
but the earth he has given to mankind.
17 It is not the dead who praise the Lord,
those who go down to the place of silence;
18 it is we who extol the Lord,
both now and forevermore.Praise the Lord.[a]