False Witness and Breathing Lies

Proverbs 6:16–19

16 There are six things that the Lord hates,
    seven that are an abomination to him:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
    and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked plans,
    feet that make haste to run to evil,
19 a false witness who breathes out lies…

As we come to the sixth thing that the Lord hates, we are met with a familiar concept. On day 2, we discussed a lying tongue, and now on day 6, we hear about a false witness who breathes out lies. If you are confused about the difference, just know that I was too. It took me a few minutes and some research to consider what makes these two “things” different.

A lying tongue is a general statement against falsehood. Lies are easy to state and can happen in the spur of the moment, often to cover what we do not want exposed.

A false witness who breathes out lies brings to mind the judicial setting of testifying falsely against someone. While a lying tongue describes falsehood generally, a false witness specifically uses falsehood against another person. The lie now damages someone else's reputation, standing, or well-being.

We can bear false witness when our words defame character, cause consequences, or lead others to form wrong opinions. I see this most clearly in how we speak of others through gossip, slander, and defamation. While we may not be guilty of bearing false witness in a courtroom, how many times have we soiled someone’s reputation on a couch?

Little comments, often unwarranted, can have detrimental effects. Sadly, these comments happen all too frequently among church people who bad-mouth, overshare, or break confidence about a brother or sister they are called to love. In fact, church people can be some of the meanest, harshest, and most vindictive people.

I am reminded of Ephesians 4:29 as I write today:

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

Is this how you speak?

Are those little notes you pass along corrupting or encouraging?

Are those stories you share edifying or inappropriate?

Are those comments you make about another helpful or harmful?

All of us need to watch our speech closely, as the tongue is hard to tame (James 3). We need to be mindful of the times we bless God and curse those made in His image with the same breath.

Before you pass along that story, repeat that rumor, or offer your opinion about someone else, stop and ask: Will these words give grace to those who hear, or will they damage someone who isn't even in the room to defend themselves?

The Lord does not only care whether our words are true. He cares about what our words do to others.