Exodus 20:16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”
Does reality need your assistance or interpretation in any way? This commandment clearly states that you should not lie or misrepresent the reality, truth, and facts in any situation. We are all commanded to be honest. A truly honest person is harder and harder to find in America. There is an old saying, “A man is as good as his word.” That is no longer the case. Men hide behind plausible deniability now. Instead of innocent perception, men attempt to manipulate the facts and the truth to suit their self preservation or promotion. The court system is all but a mockery now. Attorneys hide behind their commitment to represent their client when truth is critically needed to produce a corrective judgment. Men no longer love reality but instead create a perception and then an illusion that ultimately leads to destruction.
What is the motivation to be dishonest with your neighbor? Your ego! The old man will lie, cheat, and steal to maintain his control of your life. “Take no prisoners” is the cry of your ego. Your spirit loves reality and must overcome the old man. The reality is where Our Heavenly Father resides.
Do you want to bear good fruit? You must have an honest heart:
Luke 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep [it], and bring forth fruit with patience.
Further, in the end your false witness will be exposed:
Luke 8:17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither [any thing] hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
What should be our focus?
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.
As the Law of the credible witness states- if you fail to be a credible witness to your neighbor, you become subject to the same judgment that has been charged against him. Our Heavenly Father endorses only the truth and honesty. Your calling is subject to delay until you have overcome the issue of bearing false witness. You must be above reproach. When you speak the truth, your support reality. Your calling is in the realm of reality and is not supported by any illusion or falsehood. Your calling requires trustworthiness to Love and reality.
Speak the truth in Love for reality can seem harsh to the hearer. Be sensitive and compassionate. Don’t abuse people with the truth. Convey the truth with comfort.