Lying, Deceiving, & Bearing False Witness

Definitions Lying: the sin of purposefully making an untrue statement. Example: Proverbs 19:5,9 Deceiving: the sin of acting in such a way as to leave a false or misleading impression, especially with the intent to deceive. Example: Acts 5:1 Bearing False Witness/Testimony: the sin of lying or being deceitful especially in court or a similar settings. Example: Matthew 26:59-61 & Matthew 28:15 False Witness or False Testimony: Can be everything from giving damaging false testimony during a trial to being dishonest when you are getting grilled by your parents. False Witnesses Only: The problem with this line of thinking is that it focuses to much on the specific command and not at all on the righteousness or reason for the command. There are some people who really do believe they only have to tell the truth if they are under oath. They think the rest of life is a “what works best for me free for all” This is totally unbiblical. Certainly perjury is wrong, but all lying is wrong. So why didn’t God list ALL lying as one of the 10 commandments – I imagine it was a matter of mercy. God can forgive liars who repent. AND many children lie before they even know how morally wrong it is, God let the family deal with

Satan Is The Source of Dishonesty Lying was used to prompt the first sin. Genesis 3:4 Jesus said that those who lie are “of” the Devil, the father of lies. John 8:44 Sadly – The liar is deceiving themselves because they think they are gaining an advantage, when they are really hurting themselves by sinning. God is very clear through the Bible that SATAN is the SOURCE of dishonesty, but God is the source of TRUTH.

Punishment Is The Consequence Lies Backfire Judgment (Deut 19:18-19) Gehazi (2 Kings 5:20-27) Unprepared for Worship Falsehood (Psalms 24:3-4) Hell “all liars” (Revelation 21:8) “everyone who loves and practices lying.” (Revelation 22:15) In pointing out the source of dishonesty and the punishments for dishonesty the Bible is very clear in its condemnation of lying, deceiving, and bearing false witness.

What About The Tough Cases? Principle: You never have to violate God’s will to accomplish God’s will. What about lying to save a life? Joshua 2:5, Hebrews 11:31, James 2:25 What about in a stressful situation? Genesis. 42:1-38; 43:1-34; 44:1-34 What about the work of government agents? Numbers 13:2 & 1 Samuel 21:10-15 Don’t Fall In Love with It! (Revelation 22:15) The Bible is clear about condemning dishonesty, but some ask: Are their any exceptions. You never have to violate God’s will to accomplish God’s will. It may be that the government has the authority to take actions that are otherwise inappropriate because they have “the sword.” But if so, it is the exception and not the rule. Rahab: Notice that the N.T. does not commend her lying like some believe. Instead is specifically commends her for welcoming them in peace. (heb) and for both receiving them and sending them out (james). She is never applauded for lying to hide them. She is applauded for the righteous actions she took. So you cannot say that this is a case that demonstrates God’s approval of this practice. This is a case where it was practiced, but God does not endorse it. The truth is that those who want to lie to save a life are only assuming that they KNOW someone will die. Our perspective is too limited to make this choice. In fact there are specific times when someone in the Bible DID lie because they were trying to save a life and they were wrong. Gen. 20:1-12 Abraham failed to trust in the protection of God, and instead trusted in his ability to be deceptive. The Bible shows how this was horrible, and even Abimelech says “you have done to me things that ought not to be done.” When you use a lie to try to save a life you are trusting in your judgment, in your lie, and in your strength. Abraham should have put his faith in God – not himself! So should we. Lying is not the only option. Rahab – 1. Don’t take moral lessons from prostitutes. This is obviously a woman living on street smarts rather than faith in God. 2. The God who broke down the walls could protect His spies – or even bring them to heaven and still destroy the city. We shouldn’t doubt God so much. Joseph’s Test – (This one is your homework.  )There are more details in this story than I can address fully. I do believe He had the authority and option NOT to reveal himself. Some of his other choices are harder to understand. But let me point out one clear part of this story. Gen. 42:24 – Joseph was hurt by his actions. This is a reminder for us all that we may think deception hurts the ones we fool. But we are fooling ourselves if we think it doesn’t hurt us. Government: Spies (Num. 13:2) David’s Disguise (1 Sam 21:10-15) Government Agents – The Government has the authority to carry out actions that would be totally wrong for an individual. Captial punishment being the obvious example. The question is – then, does the governement also have the authority to commission its citizens to be deceptive? In the Bible there are accounts, not necissarily an approval. Possible that as a representative of the Jewish government he is permitted to utilize a disguise. Certainly it was an honor to be a spy for Joshua and Caleb, and God commissioned them. This still requires some speculation. I hereby exercise my right to say “I’m not sure.” But it is my responsibility to at least bring to your attention that even in similar circumstances today, the safest thing is to let the clear passages fill in the gaps of the unclear passages. And all liars, and everyone who loves and practices lying were not welcome into heaven. A Christian should think long and hard before lying as part of a government job. In short, if there is an exception, this may be it – but the more general law of “loving it” would still apply. We must be people who love and uphold the truth.

The Solution Is Simple Stick To Straight Answers (Matthew 5:37) "But let your statement be, 'Yes, yes' or 'No, no'; anything beyond these is of evil. Speak Truth Each One of You Ephesians 4:25 Be Silent Luke 8:56, Acts 23:22 I wouldn’t pretend there are no difficult circumstances…but I know this for sure: You know what – it is never wrong to tell the truth. Straight Answers: Do it Jesus way and put your confidence not in YOUR ability to manipulate the situation, but in GOD’s ability to manipulate the situation. HE is the one in control! Silence: Like your momma used to say “If you don’t have anything appropriate to say, its better to say nothing at all” I think we forget that there are times when we should simply say NOTHING. Jesus instructed this, as did the Roman commander.

Simple Honesty Is Desperately Needed Today In Business Leviticus 19:35, Romans 12:17 In Religion James 1:16-17 In Society 2 Corinthians 8:21 In our Hearts Phil. 4:8 “whatever is true…dwell on these” (Romans 12:17) Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. (NAS95) In Religion – we need people to be intellectually honest. To admit when their practices, and the Bible don’t line up. To not try to side step it, To not ignore the problem, To not blame someone else, BUT TO MAKE CHANGES. 4 times the New Testament tells Christians to specifically NOT BE DECIEVED. Don’t deceive ourselves. In Society (2 Corinthians 8:21) for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. (NAS95)

Lying, Deceiving, & Bearing False Witness Jesus is the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE. Will you embrace the TRUTH that HE IS the Son of God and come to him???