A False Witness

“The ends justify the means” and “A little white lie never hurt anyone”—these two cliches miss the obvious and contradict Almighty God. Proverbs 6:16-19 reveals seven things that the Lord hates. These abominations do not belong in the realm of moral ambiguity, yet man will run to defend them to some degree or another. James warns us about the tongue’s great potential to destroy, and John was told that “all liars” will have their part in the lake of fire, so we should not be surprised to find lying mentioned twice among the seven abominations God hates (Jm. 3:5-8; Rev. 1:8).

The difference between “a lying tongue” and “a false witness who speaks lies” allows for a more specific and pointed application of the unchanging truth about lying. Lying is a weapon of destruction. By claiming to provide the truth, a false witness uses that weapon to its most terrible potential.

A false witness can condemn an innocent man on trial. Our Lord was slandered by false witnesses on the night of His betrayal. At first it was difficult to find two witnesses that could agree on which crime the Lord had allegedly committed, making it hard to keep the appearance of legality for the process. Finally, two came forward in agreement and the council was able to hastily arrive at their predetermined verdict (Matt. 26:59-68). Certainly, a Christian should never have any interest in testifying falsely in court. But the application of the Bible’s stance on false witnessing extends beyond the courtroom. 

A false witness can destroy a man’s reputation in the court of public opinion. Solomon warns, “He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, But a man of understanding holds his peace. A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter,” and, “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends” (Pro. 11:12-13; Pro. 16:28, ESV). The words of the Christian are to spread grace, not malice (Eph. 4:29). While we carefully examine our own words let us also recall that if God hates the sin of being a false witness then we should avoid those who would bend our ears to gossip (Rom. 16:17; 2 Thes. 3:6-14).

A false witness can erase the potential yield of truth. Lying attacks from both angles against the power of truth by spreading falsehoods and by replacing truth with error. Truth unifies by nature. An abominable seven in Proverbs is matched and surpassed by a delightful seven in Ephesians where Paul commands that we strive to “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” by holding fast to the truth that there is “one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Eph. 4:3-6). Truth is the basis for unity. Once a lie removes that accord, all that remains is discord. Speaking truth can restore the fallen, call sinners to Jesus, protect the innocent, edify the weak, and encourage the faithful. Lies cannot help anyone; instead, they actively dissuade those in need of truth from searching for it.

The reasons we lie are many, but ultimately each one comes down to control: I will either seek my own way or trust in the words of my Creator. My choice must not be made carelessly because I will be judged by the Lord and His word in the end (Act.10:42; Jn. 12:48). On this subject, He has made His will clear: “Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy… He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence” (Psalm 101:5-7).