Scripture to Read: Exodus 20:16
The final commandment for this week is commandment number nine. God said in Exodus 20:16, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” This command guards us against gossip and slander and even from remaining silent when we hear something spoken that is false about someone else. God reminds us of this command in Colossians 3:9, “Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices.” Then God says it this way in Ephesians 4:25, “Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.” God wants us to put a guard on our tongues because He hates all lies, for He knows how destructive lies are. Therefore, we should not be surprised that Satan loves when any one of us gets into the habit of lying because of who he is. God’s Word tells us that Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44; Acts 5:3), so when we begin to bear false witness, we are willingly entering the enemy's camp. Also, consider that our Lord Jesus Christ was a victim of false witnesses (Matthew 26:59, Mark 14:57) as the religious leaders of His day looked for false testimonies to be able to put Christ to death. God also warns us in James 3:1–12 of how powerful a tool our words are and that we can bring total destruction to ourselves and others through the words we share. May we always speak the truth and speak it in love (Ephesians 4:14–15).
Challenge & Application
· What did God teach you today about lies and speaking falsely about others?
· How will you guard your tongue and help hold others accountable to speaking the truth in love?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!