A False Witness Who Speaks Lies
The Word: “These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren” (Proverbs 6:16-19).
The Breakdown: In comparison to the sin of “a lying tongue” in verse 17b which refers to lying in a matter of everyday conversation, this sin refers to providing a false testimony in a public setting, in front of others, or in a court of law. It is being a false witness by speaking lies when asked to tell the truth about a specific situation. These people decisively choose to lie about important matters about themselves and others. They pervert justice, which is why God hates it.
Activate: When confronted in certain situations where you are put on the spot and have to bear witness, do you hesitate to tell the truth or do you tell the truth no matter what may happen? Are you a false witness who speaks lies or an accurate witness who speaks truth?
A Thought: The devil is “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44), but Christ is truth (John 14:6). When you lie you are acting like the devil but when you tell the truth you are acting like Christ. Who do you reflect? As R.C. Sproul writes, “If you are of the truth, if you have learned the truth, if you see the sanctity of the truth, then speak truth. We are not called to be deceivers or liars. God is a God of truth, and His people are called to have an enormously high standard of truth.”
