Bearing False Witness

We live in a society where people increasingly cling to the phrase, “That’s YOUR truth, but this is MY truth.” It sounds compassionate and open-minded, but in reality it removes personal accountability and rejects the idea of any fixed, objective truth—especially the truths found in God’s Word.

But this feel-good slogan collapses quickly when tested in real life. Western society depends on ACTUAL truth for justice to function. Court cases aren’t solved by feelings but by evidence, facts, and testimony that aligns with reality.

Judges, prosecutors, and witnesses all have their own backgrounds and biases, yet they are expected to do everything in their power to discover the truth. Truth is the standard. Truth is what leads to a fair ruling. If each person insisted on their own private version of truth, justice would fail. No verdict would be trustworthy. No case could be resolved.

That’s why one (and each) of the Ten Commandments is so direct: “Do not bear false witness.” God cares deeply about truthfulness, especially when our words affect the lives, reputations, and futures of others. How much time, money, and emotional energy are wasted every year because someone lies under oath to protect themselves or someone else? A single false statement can derail justice and delay healing for months, years, or even a lifetime.

Telling the truth the first time is not only morally right—it clears the fog of confusion, exposes sin for what it is, and allows for swift judgment, genuine healing, and, most importantly, restoration and reconciliation. Truth frees. Truth heals. Truth honors God.

As followers of Christ, we don’t cling to “my truth.” We cling to the Truth—and we speak it with integrity the first time, every time.