(Prov 24:28,29 GNB) Don’t give evidence against others without good reason, or say misleading things about them. Don’t say, “I’ll do to them just what they did to me! I’ll get even with them!”
This morning we continue our series, “Unlocking the Power of Proverbs – Walking in the Wisdom of God.” This is the 3rd saying of the 2nd section of this book within Proverbs and it is about the legal system. Israel’s judicial system depended highly on witnesses. Therefore, the fairness of the system was contingent upon the reliability of witnesses. A false witness could derail the legal process. Our modern process may be more dependent on technology, but at the end of the day, the words of a witness still hold a great deal of weight during legal proceedings.
So what does this mean to you today? Three things:
1. Never volunteer to be a witness for personal reasons and only take the witness stand for the right reasons. Corruption was as prevalent in Solomon’s day as it is today. Some people took the stand for financial gain. Others took the stand for self promotion; wanting to be “seen” as part of a highly publicized case. The bottom-line here is that for us, as believers, we should never seek the witness stand unless the legal process depends on our testimony and even then, ensuring that our heart is pure as we take the stand.
2. Once a witness, you must tell the absolute truth. We should speak the truth whether we are under an oath to do so or not, but after taking such an oath – after publically vowing before God to speak the truth – to then lie is to break the oath, disrespect the court, disregard the judicial system, and dishonor God. While this may seem like a major offence to you and me, modern society seems to have lowered its standards to the point where lying is “no big deal.” But let’s be clear, God HAS NOT lowered His standards. The Father expects us to say what we mean and to mean what we say. Whether in a court or in common conversation, under an oath or just hanging out with our friends, our words matter to God and they should matter to us.
3. Never use the witness stand to get payback for a wrong done. In Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, where he said, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (12:17-21). As much as we would sometimes like to repay evil with evil, our part is to walk in love, forgiveness, and mercy. And know that God will protect you from every attack of the enemy anyway, so don’t allow their poison to be your concern. If you want to focus on anything, focus your attention on praying for those that are coming up against you. Once you do you will see how God not only moves in their lives, but He will move mightily in your life when you show Him that you are committed to walking in Love!
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for Your Word. I will never seek out the witness stand. I never inject myself into the legal process for personal reasons. If the legal process requires my testimony, then I will testify honestly and accurately. I represent You in all that I do and I will represent You well on the witness stand. I will say what I saw and I will leave it at that. I trust that You will bring justice through the legal system. I will never lie… period. Whether on the witness stand, at home, in the office, or just hanging out with my friends, I will speak the truth every day and in every way. And finally Father, I know that You are the ultimate judge. I leave vengeance to You. When people do me wrong You empower me to pray for them, instead of seeking revenge. I earnestly intercede for them and I then leave them in Your hands. You are the judge and You will see to it that what You desire will happen in their lives. That is not up to me, so I will stay out of it. I declare this by faith! In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
