We are not to bear false witness against others.  It violates God’s law, and a man or woman engaged in such will not be held guiltless before God in the day of judgment, unless there is repentance.  To smear another’s character and good name to further a personal agenda, or retaliate against another to cause another harm, is simply evil.

All one has to do to successfully discredit another is spread false accusations around to those willing to listen to juicy gossip.  As the saying goes, “Gossipy tongues would not go far, if gossipy ears were not so willing to listen.”

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”     (Exodus 20:16; Deuteronomy 5:20)

“You shall not bear a false report; do not join your hand with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.  You shall not follow the masses in doing evil, nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after a multitude in order to pervert justice.”    (Exodus 23:1-2)

“There are six things which the Lord hates.  Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him.  Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood.  A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.”   (Proverbs 6:16:16-19)

“Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, And do not deceive with your lips.”     (Proverbs 24:28)

Some soldiers were questioning Him, saying, “And what about us, what shall we do?”  And He said to them, “Do not take money from anyone by force or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.”  (Luke 3:14).

“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.”      (Matthew 15:19).

ERNST JANNING:  Judge Haywood:  The reason I asked you to come:  Those people…I never knew it would come to that.  You “must” believe it, “You must: believe it!” 

JUDGE DAN HAYWOOD:  Herr Janning, it came to that the “first time” you sentenced a man to death you “knew” to be innocent. 

Eileen Light