Series: Seven
Week: 7
Passage: Proverbs 6:16-19
Title: The Attitude (False Witness)
Interesting Statement: John was driving home late one night when he picked up a hitchhiker. As they rode along, he began to be suspicious of his passenger. John checked to see if his wallet was safe in the pocket of his coat that was on the seat between them, but it wasn't there! So he slammed on the brakes, ordered the hitchhiker out, and said, "Hand over the wallet immediately!" The frightened hitchhiker handed over a billfold, and John drove off. When he arrived home, he started to tell his wife about the experience, but she interrupted him, saying, "Before I forget, John, do you know that you left your wallet at home this morning?"
Introduction: Proverbs six outlines seven crooked actions (Six acts the Lord hates with the last one being an abomination (or outrage). The purpose of understanding this information is to gain an understanding of what gets under the Lord’s skin. It’s a warning to stay away from these things and instead strive to honor the Lord, as we know God alone has the ability to save us. We must always remember what God told Job, “I (God) will deliver you from six troubles; in seven no evil shall touch you.” (Job 5:19). Let’s keep that in mind this morning as we seek to understand the six thing God hates, a false witness that breathes out lies.
#1: A False Witness Defined
• Explanation: A false witness who breathes out lies is exactly what we think – a liar. One who “bears false witness” intentionally does two things… (1) Seeks to spread untrue information about others (tear down/disrespect) and (2) misrepresents/perverts the truth about God and His Word. Notice the first five things God hates in Proverbs 6 deal with different parts of the body but now, the sixth aspect deals with the whole of a man and his (or her) intentions. The one who falsely “breathes out lies” is one who willingly spreads disharmony about God, His bride the church and others. Let’s look at some examples…
• Illustration: 3 Examples of False Witnesses (Old and New Testament) and 3 Truths…
o Satan (John 8:44) – The Bible tells us the devil (Satan) “was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. …He is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44)
• Truth #1: When we lie we are accomplishing the Devils work!
o The Law (9th Commandment – Ex. 20:16 and Deut. 5:20) – These passages speak mainly about lying in court of law. In the OT when one spoke falsely against another it was not only deceitful but also ruined the reputation of another. If the person lying was found out, they “purged” (or kicked out) the liar showing no pity (life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot). The community would hear of this and be fearful to lie about others. (Deut. 19:16)
• Truth #2: When we lie we bring destruction upon ourselves!
o Jesus (Matt. 26:59) – Perhaps no one knew false witnesses like Jesus, especially at the time of His trial. “Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death.” (Matt. 26:59)
• Truth #3: When we lie we wound God’s work from being done.
• Application: Two truths about false witnesses and two actions…
o Punishment is Coming - Proverbs says false witnesses will be punished as God puts punishment on false witnesses “beyond human understanding” (externally or internally - unless they repent - Proverbs 19:5).
• Action = Refuse to Associate - “Do not put your hand with the wicked (associate) to be an unrighteous witness” (Exodus 23:1)
o Death is Coming – While it’s unusually to think about, those that have a desire to spread untrue information and misrepresent the truth about God welcome their death as God tell us they “will perish” (Proverbs 21:28).
• Action = Stand Guard – “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
#2: A False Witness Cured
• Explanation: While we as Christians can stand guard and refuse to associate with false witnesses, what do if we have spread untrue information about others or distorted God’s truth and Word (which we all have)?
o Repent - God (being a God of truth) desperately wants us to love His Word (which is truth) to hate lies and dishonesty. The Bible says God’s truth…
• “…is perfect… all His ways are justice… righteous and upright is He” (Deut. 32:4)
• “…endures to all generations.” (Psalm 100:5).
• When we repent we welcome salvation (first repentance) and sanctification (ongoing righteousness).
o Seek to Be Trustworthy – As Christians our every word should be trustworthy as we are reflections of God and truth of His Word. Remember Jesus teachings…
• “I say to you, do not swear (lie) at all… But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No’…” (Matthew 5:33-37).
• When we are trustworthy we reflect properly God and the truths of His Word.
o Seek to be Honest - The Bible clearly says we are called to “speak the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15) as we practice use tact, kindness and consideration.
• “…putt away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.” (Ephesians 4:25).
• When we are honest we are giving other and opportunity to receive the Gospel, as all truth must come back to the cross.
• Illustration: “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” Thomas Jefferson
• Application: A false witness that breathes out lies misses the greatest gratification of life – living a full life in the commandments of God. However, one that repents, seeking trustworthiness and honesty experiences God’s nearness and presence while gaining true inner peace.
o “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” John 14:21
Conclusion: It’s only in Jesus’ presence that there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11) and a satisfied heart (John 6:35). We must keep relying on God’s promises, looking away from the devil and his plan for destruction while looking ahead to the eternal promises of God.
The fruit of repentance leads to discernment and wisdom, which leads to the mind of Christ. Search your heart, do not associate with or be a false witness that breathes out lies. Remember, it is not just the outside appearance that the Lord sees, but the Lord sees your heart and its attitude. Where are you and what work needs to be done?
