Exodus 20:16
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Exodus 20:16
This command forbids bearing false witness against a neighbor, targeting perjury in legal settings and deceit that harms others. The courtroom scene in ancient times magnifies the principle: lying under oath can ruin a person’s life and destabilize social order. The broader biblical ethic condemns falsehood as contrary to God’s own nature of truth. It also binds witnesses to protect the innocent and to seek justice, reinforcing the integrity of communal life where disputes are adjudicated fairly. The prohibition thus guards the vulnerable against manipulation and underlines the duty of truth-telling in all relationships, not only in formal proceedings.
Truth-telling is rooted in God’s character as truth and in the moral order he establishes. Jesus affirms the importance of truth in speech (John 8:44; James 5:12). The command forms part of a covenantal ethic that shapes how a community witnesses to the world—truthfulness is a form of worship.
In everyday life, avoid gossip, misrepresentation, or manipulation. In workplaces and social media, choose honesty over expedience. When providing information or testimony, aim for accuracy, acknowledge uncertainty where appropriate, and seek reconciliation when mistaken. Institutions can promote ethics codes, whistleblower protections, and transparent communication. The practical aim: cultivate a culture where truth-telling builds trust and justice.
Cross-References: Proverbs 12:22; James 4:17; Colossians 3:9; Leviticus 19:11; Matthew 26:63-64