The Eighth Commandment

Words are powerful.

A few sentences can encourage someone for years. A few careless comments can damage a reputation almost instantly.

That’s why the Eighth Commandment matters so much.

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”

At first, this commandment sounds like it belongs in a courtroom—and originally, it did involve legal testimony. God was protecting people from lies that could destroy lives.

But this commandment applies far beyond courtrooms.

We are not to tell lies, betray, slander, or hurt our neighbor’s reputation. Instead, we are to defend them, speak well of them, and explain everything in the kindest way.

That last phrase can be difficult.

“Explain everything in the kindest way.”

Because our natural instinct is often the opposite.

• We assume motives.
• We repeat rumors.
• We share stories that make others look bad and ourselves look better.

Sometimes we disguise it as concern or humor. Sometimes we call it “just being honest.” But underneath it is often pride, anger, or a desire to tear someone down.

How much different would your relationships be if you always assumed the best instead of the worst. What if we didn’t suspect malice when it could simply have been a mistake or misunderstanding? How would people perceive you if you defended people against rumors rather than passing them on?

I remember an old proverb.

A man who lived in a certain village spread a rumor that turned out to be false. Feeling guilty for what he’d done, he went to a pastor to ask how to fix it. The pastor told the man to go get his pillow and meet him at the top of a nearby hill.

When the man got to the top of the hill, the pastor took the pillow and, just as a strong wind came through, he took out a knife and cut the pillow open. The feathers from the pillow emptied out of the pillow and were carried away by the wind.

The pastor then handed the empty pillow back to the man and said, “Go get all the feathers.”

And in today’s world, words travel faster than ever. A comment online, a text message, a conversation after church or at work—small words can spread quickly and do real harm.

This commandment calls us to something different…speak with love, honesty, and restraint. Christians should be people whose words build trust rather than destroy it.

We are to speak the truth as is says in Ephesians, but do so in love and with wisdom.

And if we are honest, we all fail here. We have all spoken carelessly, repeated things we shouldn’t, or wounded others with our words.

Which is why we need Jesus.

He is the Truth. Yet false witnesses testified against Him. He was slandered, mocked, and condemned through lies.

And still, He went to the cross willingly.

For liars.
For gossips.
For people whose words have caused damage.

For us.

When you fail in this commandment, you can’t fix it. You can’t get all the feathers. However, In Christ, there is forgiveness not only for sinful actions, but also for sinful speech. And through His Spirit, He teaches us to speak differently…

To use words not as weapons, but as gifts.

Let’s pray…

Lord Jesus,

Please forgive me for the times my words have hurt others or failed to reflect Your love. Guard my mouth and guide my speech. Help me to speak truthfully, kindly, and wisely, so that my words may build others up rather than tear them down.

Amen.

As part of your devotion time, I encourage you to also pray for at least some of the following:

• Your family
• Your local church
• Your pastor
• Some of your fellow church members
• The people on your B.L.E.S.S. list
• Your country and her leaders
• Your community

After praying for these people, you may want to finish your devotion time with the Lord’s Prayer…

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. They will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and every. Amen.