The Ninth Commandment states: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Ex. 20:16). It is important to understand that this Commandment is the root of all statutes relating to the subject of accusation. Many commonly assume it is primarily speaking about lying; and though, it does cover lying (Rev. 21:8; Col. 3:9) it is mainly addressing the subject of making accusations against another. The last six commandments specifically relate to man’s relationship with man--and the main objective is to show love towards your neighbor (Rom. 13:9-10). Is this a light thing?
How does God view the subject of accusation—accusing another? And how do we apply Jesus’ words, “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matt. 7:1)? We know that we can judge a person's actions as being in alignment with God’s law or not. But we cannot judge a person’s heart; therefore, we cannot cast sentence: “But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ… Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way” (Rom. 14:10, 13). The Apostle James addressed the subject of accusation in his day, he wrote, “Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another” (James 4:11-12)? So, in reality, those who speak evil of someone else and condemn their brothers are speaking evil of God’s law. And how often are the accusers guilty of their own accusation?
As a minister, I would be scorned if I went up to the lectern and spoke evil of God’s Law, which is holy, just, and good (Rom. 7:12). But what would happen if I judged the intent, thoughts, and beliefs of others? The result would be division. God’s Law and judgments must be enforced against those who falsely accuse. Remember, it was false accusers behind Jesus’ crucifixion. It must be asked, “Are false accusations something we should tolerate?” It seems to me if we allow false accusers to go unchecked in their diabolic actions, they will feel enabled and continue on in their deeds.
Do we ponder the motives? I think it’s fair to say that many people don’t mean or intend to be malicious. Sometimes we are just neglectful and a bit careless in what we say or write. Sometimes we pass on information without fact-checking—without responsibility. This can happen to any of us, but it is problematic if it becomes our habit. God’s law also deals with neglect (Exodus 21). At other times people accuse because they are out to get the other person and want to stir up trouble! It is sad to say, in my experience, that some people are simply not happy without strife. Whatever the motive, Jesus’ words remain true, “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt. 12:36-37).
What is God’s judgment regarding those who falsely accuse? God declares: “One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established. If a false witness rises against any man to testify against him of wrongdoing, then both men in the controversy shall stand before the Lord, before the priests and the judges who serve in those days. And the judges shall make careful inquiry, and indeed, if the witness is a false witness, who has testified falsely against his brother, then you shall do to him as he thought to have done to his brother; so you shall put away the evil from among you. And those who remain shall hear and fear, and hereafter they shall not again commit such evil among you” (Deut. 19:15-20).
So, what are the implications of accusations? The overall result is division—never unity! The accuser takes his shots, but the only thing that typically affects him if he learns of his mistake is to recant, and possibly apologize—if he can swallow his pride. There is seemingly no risk to the accuser. Meanwhile, the accused suffers a damaged reputation—always clouded by suspicion, mistrust, and sometimes irrevocable damage (fired, demoted, ostracized, and etc.). For all involved in these ugly scenarios, it consumes enormous amounts of precious time trying to sort out the whole mess—as the accuser gets his “second wind” to try again.
One of the worst things regarding false accusations is that there are no takebacks. No matter the motive—whether accidental, carelessness, or malicious—there is no way to rewind the clock. And whether the accused is aware of the accusation or not, he will be slandered, cast under suspicion, and judged. It is just what people do—even if they don’t mean it. We will tend to mistrust that person—all because of a few words stated carelessly, neglectfully, or maliciously. Only by seeking the mind of God—His character—and applying God’s laws and true Government can we rid this evil. Once discarded, I have complete confidence that God will approve and bless us! Only then can our lives, our relationships, our Church, our whatever be filled with real happiness, peace, unity, and joy! What a wonderful thought to ponder—let us each do our part to make it a reality!
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