The Bible has a lot to say about false witnesses and false testimony. According to Scripture, a false witness is someone who gives false testimony or spreads lies about other people. This is considered a very serious sin in the eyes of God.
Here are some key things the Bible says about false witnesses and false testimony:
1. False witnesses are condemned and forbidden
Exodus 20:16 declares plainly, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” This commandment forbids making false accusations or spreading lies about others. Deuteronomy 19:16-19 condemns false accusers and perjurers and says their punishment should match the punishment they sought to bring on the innocent.
Proverbs 6:16-19 lists “a false witness who breathes out lies” as one of the seven things God hates. False testimony is detestable to Him. Spreading lies about others goes directly against God’s command to love others (Mark 12:31).
2. False witnesses can destroy lives
The Bible contains examples of how dangerous and damaging false testimony can be. When Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph of attacking her, he was thrown into prison (Genesis 39:7-20). Jezebel used false witnesses to bring bogus charges against Naboth, which resulted in his death (1 Kings 21:1-16). False witnesses were brought in to make false accusations against both Jesus and Stephen (Matthew 26:59-61, Acts 6:11-14).
These examples demonstrate how false testimony can ruin reputations, bring unjust punishment, or even lead to death. False witnesses have the power to destroy lives.
3. God hates and forbids false testimony
Not only does God prohibit bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16), He makes clear how much He hates it. Proverbs 6:16-19 describes false witnesses as one of seven detestable sins. Psalm 27:12 speaks of how false witnesses rise up against the righteous. God forbids and despises the use of lies and falsehoods to harm others.
False testimony is strongly condemned because it goes against God’s very nature. God is a God of truth, who cannot lie (Titus 1:2). He desires truth to dwell inside us (Psalm 51:6). What God loves is ruined by falsehoods.
4. False witnesses will be punished
Those who give false testimony face dire consequences. Proverbs 19:5 warns that “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.” The punishment for perjury under the Old Testament law was severe (Deuteronomy 19:16–21).
Revelation 21:8 declares that all liars will have their place in the lake of fire. False witnesses commit a grave offense in God’s sight. He promises to punish those who unrepentantly persist in falsehoods and slander against others.
5. Do not spread false reports
Along with directly lying, the Bible speaks against spreading falsehoods we hear from others. Exodus 23:1 commands God’s people, “You shall not spread a false report.” Deuteronomy 19:15-20 condemns anyone sharing an accusation against someone without adequate investigation.
A major aspect of avoiding false testimony is being careful not to pass along reports or accusations that may be untrue or unproven. God calls us to exercise wisdom and discernment rather than recklessly spreading claims against others (Proverbs 14:15).
6. Be a truth-teller, not a false witness
Rather than bearing false witness, God calls His people to be truth-tellers. Zechariah 8:16 states, “Speak the truth to one another.” Ephesians 4:15 declares we should be “speaking the truth in love.” We serve God by speaking truth to build others up.
The Bible commends those who fear God and speak the truth (Nehemiah 7:2). As children of God, we should strive to be “blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15).
7. Repent of false testimony
No one perfectly adheres to God’s commands against false testimony. We have all spoken carelessly or failed to confirm dubious reports at times. Yet Scripture calls us to repent and turn from sinful ways as the Holy Spirit convicts us (Romans 8:9-11).
If we have spread lies or made false accusations, we must seek forgiveness from God and make things right with those we have wronged. Just as God is willing to forgive us, He calls us to extend grace to others who have born false witness against us (Colossians 3:13).
By God’s power, we can turn from falsehoods to living and speaking His truth in love. We serve a God of truth and He wants us to reflect His honesty and grace.
8. Rely on God as the ultimate and final Judge
When we face false accusations from others, we can take comfort in knowing God sees all and will ultimately vindicate His people. While false witnesses may seem to prevail for a season, the Bible promises that perfect justice will one day come. No falsehoods will escape the judgment of God (1 Corinthians 4:5).
Psalm 35 provides great comfort, declaring that though evildoers “accuse me falsely” and “devise deceit all day long,” the Lord will take up the cause of the oppressed and bring justice (Psalm 35:11, 20-24). We can rely on Him as the perfect and final Judge.
9. Pray for God’s help against false witnesses
When facing false accusations, we can cry out to God in prayer, asking Him to intervene. Psalm 35 serves as a model prayer, pleading with God to oppose and confound those spreading lies and contending against the righteous (Psalm 35:1, 4, 26). We have the privilege of asking God to help and deliver us.
We can also pray ahead of time for God to guard us from false witnesses. Psalm 119:29 asks, “Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law!” Through prayer and God’s Word, He fortifies us to walk in His truth.
10. Put confidence in God’s eternal, unfailing truth
As we strive for truth and righteousness, we can rest confidently in the everlasting truth of God. No lies or false witnesses can overcome or diminish His truth. Psalm 119 testifies, “The sum of your word is truth” (v. 160) and “all your commandments are sure… eternal righteousness and truth” (v. 151, 142).
Though people may falsely accuse or slander, God remains our rock of truth. Jesus declared “I am the truth” (John 14:6). We stand on the unshakeable truth of Christ in the face of falsehoods. His truth will prevail over all lies.
In summary, the Bible makes clear that false testimony is detestable to God. As His followers, we must guard against spreading falsehoods ourselves. When facing false accusations, we can turn to God in prayer and have confidence in His eternal truth. Above all, we must remember God’s amazing grace – that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).