False Witness: Why Our Words Matter
The Power of Our Words
Our words carry great power—they can uplift, heal, and encourage relationships or hurt, mislead, and destroy them. Bearing false witness, or speaking falsely about others, is so harmful that it is directly prohibited in the Bible as one of God’s Ten Commandments: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour” (Exodus 20:16, WEB). This commandment emphasizes our words’ profound impact, urging us to speak truthfully and kindly at all times.
Every word we utter every day has the potential to deeply affect someone’s life. Simple gossip or an unverified statement can ripple outward, damaging reputations and eroding trust. On the other hand, positive, affirming, and truthful speech, such as complimenting a colleague’s work, acknowledging a friend’s effort, or speaking the truth in a difficult situation, fosters respect, trust, and unity. Recognizing the power and influence of our words calls us to intentional living, careful speech, and genuine consideration for the well-being of others.
Consequences of Bearing False Witness
Throughout Scripture, God highlights the serious consequences of bearing false witness. Proverbs 19:9 (WEB) warns us, “A false witness will not be unpunished. He who pours out lies will perish.” When we lie about others intentionally or carelessly, we can cause lasting damage to their reputations and relationships. Additionally, our dishonesty negatively affects us spiritually and emotionally, creating a barrier between ourselves and others and, even more importantly, between ourselves and God.
Bearing false witness doesn’t merely damage human relationships—it tarnishes our personal integrity and spiritual health. It leads to mistrust and suspicion within communities, families, and friendships. Over time, dishonesty can isolate us, causing spiritual and emotional distress and distancing us from God’s grace and truth. This highlights the importance of committing ourselves to truthful, thoughtful, and compassionate speech.
Accountability for Our Words
Jesus himself taught about the accountability we bear for our words, stating in Matthew 12:36 (WEB): “But I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give an account of it in the day of judgment.” Our words reflect our hearts and careless or harmful speech leads us away from God’s ideal for our lives. This accountability serves as a solemn reminder to consider the implications of every conversation, email, text message, or social media post we make.
In God’s eyes, every word is significant. The words we use reveal our inner selves—our character, beliefs, and values. Jesus emphasizes that speech is not trivial or insignificant; it holds eternal implications. Reflecting on this encourages us to be vigilant about our speech, ensuring that our words consistently reflect honesty, integrity, and Christ-like love.
The Call to Speak Wisely
God calls us to use our words wisely, thoughtfully, and kindly. Proverbs 15:4 (WEB) beautifully illustrates the power of positive speech: “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” We can build up those around us daily with our words, nurturing trust, kindness, and encouragement within our community.
Speaking wisely and kindly is a deliberate choice we must continually make. We are often tempted to speak harshly or recklessly in moments of frustration, anger, or misunderstanding. However, choosing words that uplift, encourage, and affirm not only benefits those around us but also brings peace and joy to our own hearts. It requires spiritual discipline and maturity, but the rewards are immense. It means pausing before we speak, evaluating the impact of our words, and consciously deciding to talk about life rather than destruction in the lives of others.
Drawing Closer to God
We must continually draw closer to God through His Word to speak truthfully and lovingly. Proverbs 3:5-6 (WEB) encourages us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.” Following this divine wisdom ensures our words align with God’s will and purpose.
Drawing closer to God through prayer, Bible study, and community worship deepens our spiritual sensitivity and awareness. When our hearts are aligned with God’s truth, our words naturally reflect His goodness and love. Continual spiritual growth ensures our speech remains truthful, compassionate, and uplifting, guided by the Holy Spirit rather than momentary emotions or worldly pressures. This growth provides us with the guidance and support to align our words with God’s will.
Join Us in Commitment
This week, let’s commit to speaking truth and kindness. Join us for worship this Sabbath as we explore the transforming power of God’s Word in our lives. Together, we can build a community of trust, encouragement, and love! Your commitment and participation are crucial in this journey.
