False Witness

Don’t testify against your neighbour without cause. Don’t deceive with your lips.

Don’t say, "I’ll do to him what he did to me; I’ll repay the man for what he has done."

Proverbs 24:28-29 (CSBA)

When we dislike someone, whatever the reason, we are always ready to do anything to get rid of them, especially if they have wronged us. It is in our nature to see others suffer for the harm they have done us. The Bible contains several examples of men plotting to kill someone, out of jealousy or envy. One example is that of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar's magicians wanted Daniel killed because the king had granted him a higher position due to his wisdom and the gift of dream interpretation he had received from God.

Testifying against someone is an act God hates, especially when our testimony is the result of a desire for revenge. Jesus Himself was the victim of false witness from priests and Pharisees who refused to accept Him for who He truly was, the Son of God. They all contributed to His downfall. Taken separately, these two verses have different interpretations. But read together, they explain precisely why someone would bear false witness against their neighbor. To make them pay for a past offense. The Bible teaches us to forgive our neighbor.

Think of Jesus on the cross. Considering the time He spent teaching, comforting, healing, and performing all kinds of miracles, and the reason for His presence, He should have cursed us all from the cross. But in His compassion, even in the midst of His bitter suffering, He had the strength and courage to say, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." He did not choose to ignore our salvation, leaving us to suffer God's wrath. Instead, He chose to love us and intercede for us before God. Do not let your pride or your desire to make others pay lead you to bear false witness against them. Forgive them and be at peace with yourself and with God.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.