Bearing False Witness

​Biblical Church Worship: A Study of the Ten Commandments 
Exodus 20:16
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The Nineth Commandment: You Shall Not Bear False Witness
Reading: John 8:31, 32; Colossians 3:8-10; II John 1:4

You Shall Not Bear False Witness
To understand the nineth commandment prohibiting bearing false witness, we must study some word definitions. The words “bear” and “false” merit attention.

The Hebrew word for “bear” obviously refers to the speaking of untruth. Lying is certainly bearing a false witness. But the word for “bear” also means “to heed” or “listen to”. This second meaning of the word opens up a greater understanding of the nineth command. While it is true that speaking lies is bearing a false witness, it is just as true that entertaining untruth also bears false witness.

The word “false” in Exodus 20:16 holds an overt meaning of “untrue”, but a less conspicuous definition points to that which is “empty” or “without cause”. Dishonest speech is empty or vain. But even true words, spoken with the intent to harm, fall into being “without cause”. False talk, as it is found in the nineth commandment, is an utterance which is better left unsaid.

Scripture gives comprehensive examples of bearing false witness. It includes unjustly reporting of another (Deuteronomy 19:15-21), slander (Psalm 16:3), accusatory speech (Psalm 101:5-7), and even defamation (Proverbs 10:18). Active participation, either speaking or receiving such language, counts as a violation of the nineth commandment. A common term used for bearing false witness today is “gossip”.

There are three ways to avoid becoming a false witness. Always respect others (Proverbs 11:12). Keep silent (Proverbs 11:12, 13). Stay away from people who are false witnesses (Proverbs 20:19).

Implication
Falsehood, slander, and gossip are completely incompatible with a life of worship to Christ. We must always deal in truth and love.
 
Questions to Ask Yourself
1. Do I speak words that are true?
2. Do I speak the truth with the intent heal or harm?