The Ten Commandments – #9


March 2, 2021 (Friday)

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor

To bear false witness is to commit perjury. That is the plain, unvarnished, simple description of bearing false witness. It is a very serious matter that is an integral part of our legal system. When you are called to be a witness, before you answer any questions, you must swear an oath that your testimony will be truthful. To lie under oath is to commit perjury, a very serious crime. An accused person who is not guilty of a crime depends upon witnesses in his trial to tell the truth. The entire justice system’s stability depends upon all parties stating the truth.

The Jews required at least three witnesses who agreed with each other on certain prescribed facts before accepting testimony.

Beyond perjury in the courtroom, there are implications involving our every day lives. Let’s say someone tells a lie about me. Depending upon the circumstances, whatever he says is going to affect my life in some way. If he lies about me, it is possible that we will hire lawyers and go to court to establish the truth.

We speak a lot of words. The average person speaks about 18,000 words per day, enough to fill 54 pages per day, or 60 books per year.

There are ways of speaking that can harm others. The lie, the half-truth, the hint or suggestion, the innuendo, and the rumor, quoted accurately or mis-quoted.

Before speaking about another person, we should ask ourselves if what we are about to say is the truth, and we should likewise question whether it is necessary, and kind. We should also ask ourselves, “Will it build goodwill and better relationships?” (You may recognize sayings from the Rotary Club).

“Words can never hurt me” is not true. They can hurt so badly that people have been known to take their own lives in response to what was said about them. The Bible describes the tongue as set on fire from Hell. Just as people bridle horses, they should bridle their own tongues.

On the other hand, words can bless others. They can cheer people up, and/or encourage people. Jesus set the example for us with his use of words that helped people, indeed that have continued to help all of us, right up to the present hour.

Don’t break the Ninth Commandment; let your words bless others.

BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER
Written by Paul Simon
Performed by Simon and Garfunkel
1969

When you’re weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I’ll dry them all
I’m on your side
Oh, when times get rough
And friends just can’t be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

When you’re down and out
When you’re on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I’ll take your part
Oh, when darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

Sail on silver girl
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
Oh, if you need a friend
I’m sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind




THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

   1. You shall have no other gods before Me.

   2. You shall not make idols.

   3. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.

   4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

   5. Honor your father and your mother.

   6. You shall not murder.

   7. You shall not commit adultery.

   8. You shall not steal.

   9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

 10. You shall not covet.