THE FALSE WITNESS
«And those who remain shall hear and fear, and hereafter they shall not again commit such evil among you”. (Deuteronomy 19:20).
Deuteronomy 19:14-21 describes the law against those who steal the property of others and those who serve as false witnesses. The damage to someone’s reputation was equivalent to stealing their belongings; whoever speaks falsely against their neighbor is stealing his reputation and good testimony.
There had to be two or three witnesses to convict someone of a crime. This put a great responsibility on the shoulders of the witnesses because it was the testimony of these informants that would bring punishment to the accused. A false witness was to receive the punishment that would have fallen on the accused (see Deuteronomy 19:21; Exodus 23:1, Psalm 35:11). The purpose of this law was to encourage the witness to be truthful and careful about making accusations.
A false witness would be on the receiving end of the law of retribution or retaliation, «an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.» A conspiracy to present false testimony was considered unpardonable, because it represented potential homicide in the hear of the false witness. «Perjury is a most heinous crime, yet many do not hesitate to lie even under oath. One who thus publicly violates truth sins against himself, his enemy, and God.»—SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 1022.
Although in the Western world today we do not receive legal penalties for lying in our private lives about someone, or for raising false testimony against our neighbor, let us not accuse anyone nor speak ill of anyone. Don’t make negative commentaries about people who are not present and who therefore cannot defend themselves against your words. Remember, whoever speaks falsely is a potential murderer.. Say only good things about the people you know, and don’t allow anyone speak badly to you about another person.
«How careful we should be to have our words and actions in harmony with the sacred truths that God has committed to us! . . .When you are associated with one another, be guarded in your words. Let your conversation be of such a nature that you will have no need to repent of it If a word is dropped that is detrimental to the character of a friend or brother, never encourage this evil speaking; for it is the work of the enemy. Remind the speaker that God’s Word forbids this kind of conversation.»—7he Voice in Speech and Song, p. 126.
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate