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Speak the Truth, Especially when Concerning Others

When we speak about other people, we must speak the truth. Lying about the other is also called gossiping. Lying to deliberately  harm the other is called a false witness. 

15 One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of any crime or offense they may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.16 If a malicious witness takes the stand to accuse someone of a crime, 17 the two people involved in the dispute must stand in the presence of the Lordbefore the priests and the judges who are in office at the time. 18 The judges must make a thorough investigation, and if the witness proves to be a liar, giving false testimony against a fellow Israelite, 19 then do to the false witness as that witness intended to do to the other party. You must purge the evil from among you.

Deuteronomy 19:15-19 (NIV)

Testimony About an Offense 

When someone does something wrong, we might be used to remaining silent, we will not tell on someone. However, serious offenses should be made public. According to an online encyclopedia, a person who openly reports these problems is called a whistleblower. Not popular, nor a harmless role.

A whistleblower is not believed immediately. Our Bible passage says that the testimony of a single person is not valid. When we expose an offense or a misconduct of another, it must be verified. Others need to confirm this.

When we question the actions of another, let us remain silent if there are no others who can confirm this.

Involve the Lord in Doubt

It may be that others can confirm the accusation. When it is not completely certain whether the testimony is correct, others should investigate it thoroughly. They should do this in the presence of the Lord, no mistake can be made here. The truth must come out in the open and in God’s presence. Why?

First, a lie could overthrow a person. It might cost someone their career or credibility among colleagues or their family. God finds it unacceptable when someone is done injustice as a result of a lie.

Second, it must be shown that the witness is reliable. Everyone should know this, both the accuser himself as well as the people standing around him. In doubt, the Lord wants what is best for the accused and for the prosecutor.

Punishment of Lying

If it appears that the prosecutor has lied and thereby deliberately wants to overthrow the other, a penalty should be imposed. It is not enough that the truth has come to light. It should also be prevented so that it never happens again. The punishment should teach the prosecutor and at the same time be a warning for the people who hear about it.

Jesus tells us that the truth will set us free (John 8:32). Let us therefore speak the truth, especially when concerning others.

Bible book: Deuteronomy Keywords: Lies, Lying, Punishment, Testimony, Truth

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