The Obligation to Be Truthful

GOLDEN TEXT: “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.” —Exodus 20:16

THE Ninth Commandment is usually construed to include the telling of lies in any form, and for any purpose; and this wide application is probably well within the meaning intended by the Lord. Specifically, however, its first application is to bearing false witnes “against thy neighbor.” The Eighth Commandment declares, “Thou shalt not steal,” and probably the most treasured possession we could steal from another is his good name, or reputation. This could easily be done by bearing false witness against him.

In this, also, love goes beyond the requirements of justice, for love “thinketh no evil.” (I Cor. 13:5) Instead of bearing false witness against a brother, love would rather decide that no evil exists, even when circumstantial evidence might indicate otherwise. Love will turn the other way rather than to “snoop” upon a brother in order to find something wrong. Love recognizes that at best, man can look only upon the outward appearance, and that it is only God who can look upon the heart, so leaves the judgment of another in his hands.

JOHN 18:15-27

IN THIS well-known narrative of Jesus’ trial before the high priest, and of Peter’s denial, we have an example of two “witnesses.” One bore true testimony, the other false; although in Peter’s case it could hardly be said that he bore false witness “against” Jesus, for it is unlikely that his denial had anything to do with the result of this “trial.”

When Jesus was questioned concerning his belief, he referred the high priest to what he had taught throughout the entire course of his ministry. He said, “I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.” (vs. 20) What a wonderful testimony! Jesus had hid nothing, either in his teaching while with the devout of the nation, or in witnessing to the “great congregation”—the world.—Ps. 40:9,10

None of Jesus’ entire ministry was in secret. Neither his miracles nor his teachings were concealed. He did not keep his light under a “bushel.” Nor did he engage in secret political intrigue of any sort, as so many of his professed followers since have done. There is a wonderful example in this for us. A Christian should have nothing to hide, nothing in connection with his belief that needs to be kept secret. He will not preach one message to the public, and something contrary to his trusted friends. Jesus could tell the high priest nothing more nor different than he had been preaching throughout Israel for more than three years.

Peter’s denial of Jesus stands out as probably the most serious mistake of his life. However, Jesus held nothing but sympathy in his heart for Peter, for he took into consideration all the circumstances involved. This is something which we, in our imperfections, find it difficult to do. We are too prone to see the wrong in another without considering the cause. We should condemn the wrong; but often, if we take the trouble to discover its cause, we will be glad to excuse the wrongdoer. This is the course prompted by love.

Jesus’ sympathy for Peter is indicated at the time of the resurrection, when the women who were dispatched to bear the glad tidings that the Master was no longer dead were given special instructions to tell Peter. (Mark 16:7) Later, also, when Jesus prepared breakfast for the disciples on the shore of the lake, and conversed with Peter, no mention was made of his denial. Jesus simply sought an affirmation from Peter of his love and loyalty. Obtaining this assurance, he gave the beloved apostle the grand commission, “Feed my sheep.”—John 21:16

We, today, will not be placed in the same situation as Peter, yet we do have the opportunity of confessing our acquaintance with the Master and the fact that we are his disciples. We confess him by faithfulness in our ambassadorship, proclaiming the truths which he taught. We could deny him by remaining silent concerning his glorious Gospel, either through fear, or for other personal reasons.

In the transgression of any of God’s laws of righteousness, it is only the willful continuance in wrongdoing that ultimately results in the loss of divine favor. To make mistakes through weakness of the flesh is one thing, but to condone sin, and continue in it willfully is quite another. In the case of the former, we have “an Advocate with the Father,” but with the latter, stripes must be expected, and if these fail, then the full penalty, death.—I John 2:1,2

QUESTIONS

What is the more positive application of the commandment, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor”?

What lesson can we take from Jesus’ open and faithful ministry of the truth?

Why did Jesus refrain from harshly condemning Peter for denying him?

Under what circumstances does wrongdoing lead to the full penalty for sin, which is death?

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