Bearing false witness can harm others and undermine trust, but the Bible calls us to speak truthfully. Today, we’ll see how Scripture warns against lies and promotes honesty in all we do.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About False Teachings
What Does The Bible Say About False Witness
Exodus 20:16
“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and honesty in our interactions with others. It reminds us that we should never bear false witness or give untrue testimony against others, as it can bring harm, damage reputations, and undermine justice.
Proverbs 14:5
“A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness pours out lies.”
This verse contrasts a faithful witness who speaks the truth with a false witness who spreads lies. It highlights the virtue of honesty and integrity in our testimony, reminding us that spreading falsehoods can have detrimental consequences and should be avoided.
Proverbs 19:5
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.”
This verse conveys the message that falsehood and deceit will ultimately be exposed and held accountable. It serves as a warning against engaging in dishonest testimony or spreading lies, reminding us that there are consequences for our actions.
Proverbs 21:28
“A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully.”
This verse contrasts the fate of a false witness with that of a careful listener who testifies truthfully. It underscores the importance of careful listening and honest testimony, implying that those who bear false witness will eventually face their downfall.
Proverbs 25:18
“Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.”
This verse uses vivid imagery to illustrate the destructive power of false testimony. It compares it to weapons that can cause harm and warns against the consequences of spreading lies or bearing false witness against others.
Matthew 19:18
“Jesus replied, “Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony.”
In this verse, Jesus affirms one of the commandments by instructing his followers not to give false testimony. He reinforces the importance of truthfulness and honesty in our words and interactions, underlining it as a fundamental aspect of Christian ethics.
Mark 10:19
“You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”
Similar to Matthew 19:18, this verse also highlights the commandments, including the prohibition against giving false testimony. It serves as a reminder to follow God’s commandments, which include speaking the truth and refraining from bearing false witness.
Acts 6:13
“They produced false witnesses, who testified, ‘This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law.’
In this verse, false witnesses are used to spread accusations against Stephen, one of the disciples. It shows how false testimony can be manipulated and used to harm others, reminding us of the importance of discernment and the potential consequences of deceptive words.
1 Timothy 1:10
“for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine.”
This verse mentions perjurers, highlighting their behavior as contrary to sound doctrine. It aligns with the biblical teachings on honesty, reminding us of the significance of speaking the truth and refraining from giving false testimony.
Revelation 21:8
“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
This verse includes liars among a list of sinful behaviors, emphasizing the severity of dishonesty. It underscores the consequences of false testimony and serves as a warning against engaging in deceitful practices.
Psalm 27:12
“Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations.”
This verse expresses the plea of the psalmist to be protected from the false witnesses who rise against him. It acknowledges the harm and malice that false testimony can cause and seeks refuge from such deceitfulness.
Psalm 35:11
“Ruthless witnesses come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about.”
Here, the psalmist laments the presence of ruthless witnesses who question and accuse without knowledge or substance. It highlights the injustice and harm caused by false witnesses, prompting us to be aware of their deceptive tactics.
Psalm 120:2
“Save me, Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues.”
In this verse, the psalmist seeks deliverance from lying lips and deceitful tongues. It acknowledges the harm and damage caused by false testimonies and petitions for protection against such deceitful practices.
Proverbs 12:17
“An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies.”
This verse juxtaposes an honest witness who speaks the truth with a false witness who spreads lies. It emphasizes the virtue of honesty and encourages us to be truthful in our testimony, shunning falsehoods and deceit.
Proverbs 24:28
“Do not testify against your neighbor without cause—would you use your lips to mislead?”
This verse cautions against testifying against one’s neighbor without just cause or validity. It reminds us to use our words responsibly and avoid misleading or deceiving others through false testimony.
Proverbs 25:18
“Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.”
This verse uses vivid imagery to convey the harm caused by false testimony against a neighbor. It warns against the destructive power of spreading lies and encourages us to uphold truthfulness and integrity in our interactions.
Zechariah 8:17
“do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord.”
This verse calls for righteousness and truthfulness in our relationships, admonishing against plotting evil and swearing falsely. It emphasizes God’s hatred for such behavior and encourages us to uphold honesty and integrity.
Colossians 3:9
“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.”
In this verse, Paul instructs believers not to lie to one another, reminding them of the transformation that has taken place in Christ. It encourages us to embody truthfulness and honesty, reflecting our new identity in Christ.
Ephesians 4:25
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”
In this verse, Paul urges believers to abandon falsehood and instead speak truthfully to one another. It emphasizes the unity and interconnectedness of believers, underscoring the importance of honest and authentic communication.
Proverbs 6:19
“a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of a false witness who spreads lies and the consequences it can have on community harmony. It serves as a reminder to avoid being part of divisive actions and to cultivate honesty and peace.
James 4:11
“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.”
James admonishes believers against slandering one another and speaking against their brothers and sisters. It warns of the dangerous consequences of speaking falsely about others and encourages us to refrain from judging and maligning fellow believers.
Psalm 101:5
“Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.”
This verse expresses God’s disapproval of those who slander their neighbors in secret. It assures that God will silence the false accusations and condemn those with proud and deceitful hearts, emphasizing the need for honesty and humility.
Proverbs 19:9
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.”
This verse underscores the accountability for false witnesses and the eventual downfall of those who spread lies. It serves as a reminder that dishonesty and deceit will not go unnoticed or unpunished, urging us to choose truth over falsehood.
Proverbs 14:5
“A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness pours out lies.”
This verse contrasts a faithful witness who speaks the truth with a false witness who spreads lies. It highlights the virtue of honesty and integrity in our testimony, reminding us that spreading falsehoods can have detrimental consequences and should be avoided.
Proverbs 12:19
“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.”
This verse extols the enduring nature of truthful speech and highlights the temporary nature of lies. It affirms the worth and value of honesty, reminding us that the truth will prevail and endure in the long run.
Matthew 5:37
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
In this verse, Jesus teaches the principle of straightforward and trustworthy speech. It encourages simplicity and truthfulness in our communication, reminding us to refrain from unnecessary oaths or deceptive practices.
False witness and deceitful testimonies are not aligned with the principles of honesty and integrity found throughout the Bible. These verses highlight the importance of truthfulness in our words and interactions, cautioning against the harm and consequences of bearing false witness against others. The Bible consistently emphasizes the value of honesty and the accountability for spreading lies, reinforcing the need for Christians to uphold truth and refrain from engaging in deceitful practices. Whether it is the Ten Commandments, the teachings of Jesus, or the wisdom of Proverbs, the scriptures provide clear guidance on the significance of honest testimony and the dangers of giving false witness. As followers of Christ, we are called to speak the truth, love our neighbors, and seek justice. May we strive to embody these principles and be trustworthy witnesses in a world that desperately needs the light of truth.