Do Not Bear False Witness

The world wants us to use language for our own gain. Our culture teaches us to exaggerate, complain, flatter, make others feel guilty, and play the victim to get what we want. These techniques may yield the desired results in the moment, but they also put you, your relationships, and our society on a downward spiral.

Like all of the Ten Commandments, the command, “do not bear false witness” (Exodus 20:16), has a straightforward application and a deeper one that gets to the root of the problem. On the surface, God is saying not to tell lies for selfish gain. Some lies are acceptable—such as white lies to be polite or those meant to protect someone from immediate danger—but most often, we lie for selfish reasons.

But the root of this commandment is about using language to manipulate people. Deceptive language, such as lies, flattery, and flippantly swearing oaths to appear more trustworthy (Matthew 5:33-37), serves to elevate you above your victim. God made everyone equal and gave us the right to make our own decisions. By manipulating others with language, you interfere with that right, place yourself above them, and make them your means to an end.

Manipulative language may seem practical, but in reality, it ultimately harms everyone. It kills relationships, severs people from one another, and sends cultures into decline. Therefore, it must be purged from society (Deuteronomy 19:16-19). Do not allow manipulators to get away with their actions. Value others as much as you value yourself. And when you speak, say what you mean and mean what you say.

Watch the full sermon here.