The commandment “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor” is one of the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. It is found in Exodus 20:16 and Deuteronomy 5:20. This commandment prohibits lying or bearing false witness, especially in a court of law where someone’s life or livelihood is at stake. But it applies to all situations where false statements can harm others.
There are several reasons why this commandment against false testimony is included in the Ten Commandments:
1. God values truth and honesty
God is a God of truth who desires his people to reflect his character. Deuteronomy 32:4 declares, “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” God hates lies and deception, which are the work of Satan (John 8:44). Speaking truthfully reflects God’s ethical nature.
Proverbs 12:22 states, “Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight.” God takes pleasure when his people are truthful in their words and actions. False testimony is extremely displeasing to God.
2. False testimony can destroy innocent lives
Bearing false witness against someone in a court of law or other public setting can have devastating effects. It was punishable by death in the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 19:16–19). Even in non-judicial settings today, lies can ruin reputations and careers. Proverbs 25:18 warns that “like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who bears false witness against a neighbor.” False accusations can be incredibly destructive.
James 3:6 notes, “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” Our words have power, and false words can wreak havoc.
3. True testimony is necessary for justice
Without true and accurate witnesses, it is nearly impossible for justice to prevail. God is a God of justice, and his laws were given to ensure justice was upheld in Israelite society (Psalm 89:14). Truthful testimony was essential for properly determining guilt or innocence and administering fair punishment (Deuteronomy 19:15–21).
The Bible condemns injustice throughout. False testimony allows wickedness to triumph over righteousness. As Proverbs 21:28 warns, “A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure.” Reliable testimony was needed for God’s justice to be done.
4. It protects reputations and relationships
Besides the judicial sphere, the commandment has broad implications. Bearing false witness can damage relationships even if no legal case is involved. Spreading rumors and lies about someone is sinful. False testimony can divide friends or turn people against each other. Gossip ruins reputations and destroys trust.
Exodus 23:1 commands, “You shall not spread a false report.” Talebearing was prohibited. The Bible calls on people to speak truthfully to and about each other in order maintain peace and rapport. False witness threatens community harmony.
5. Lying harms the liar spiritually
Not only does false testimony harm potential victims; it is ultimately destructive for the person lying. People reap what they sow (Galatians 6:7–8). The psalmist declares that God destroys those who “love falsehood” (Psalm 5:6). Liars will face God’s judgment, for “he who breathes out lies will perish” (Proverbs 19:9).
Speaking falsehood is listed as one of the sins that defiles a person (Mark 7:21–22). Being a false witness can lead down a slippery slope into depravity. Moreover, it hinders relationships with God and others. Truthfulness, however, brings blessing and spiritual fruit.
6. Christ embodied truth
As Christians, we are called to be imitators of Christ in word and deed (Ephesians 5:1). Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). He is the perfect model of truth and honesty. At his trial, the Jewish leaders struggled to find false witnesses to testify against him (Matthew 26:59–60). But Jesus always spoke absolute truth.
As followers of Christ, we are to be people of truth in our speech. Paul writes, “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices” (Colossians 3:9). The Ninth Commandment reflects Christ’s character as the Truth.
7. Our words reveal our hearts
Jesus taught that “out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). Our words reflect what is inside us. Lying and false testimony demonstrate inner corruption. But just as deceit is rooted in the heart, speaking truth shows godly fear and faith.
Being able to control our tongues demonstrates spiritual maturity. James writes, “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless” (James 1:26). Truthfulness in speech and integrity in testimony are signs of godliness.
8. Truthfulness reflects the image of God
Created in God’s image, we are meant to represent him on earth (Genesis 1:26–27). God’s ethical nature is intended to be reflected in our moral character. Made to be like God, we lie when we bear false witness. Ephesians 4:24–25 explains, “Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness…Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor.” Being truthful in word and deed is fundamental to reflecting the image of God.
As we grow in Christlikeness and are renewed spiritually, we should demonstrate ever greater integrity in our speech. Our communication must be edifying, honest, and reliable. Truthfulness bears witness to God in us.
9. Deceit is from the devil
In contrast to the truthfulness of God, the devil is the father of lies (John 8:44). Jesus condemned the religious hypocrites of his day, stating, “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).
As children of God through faith in Christ, Christians must reject the devil’s deceit. We have put aside falsehood and embraced the gospel truth. Lying should be renounced as we now belong to the God of truth.
10. Truth and love go together
Some people distort the truth because they do not act in love. But Ephesians 4 makes clear how truth and love combine in Christian relationships. We are to speak the truth in love (v.15). After putting off falsehood, Paul commands, “speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body” (v.25). Truth builds up others; falsehood tears down.
God’s people must value both ethical pillars of truth and love. Honesty expresses care and compassion. The commandment upholds the dual biblical ethic of truthfulness and lovingkindness in all we say and do.
In summary, the commandment against bearing false witness is universal in scope while supporting a just legal system. Beyond courtrooms, it encompasses how we speak about and to everyone around us. This law is rooted in God’s own moral character of complete truthfulness and reliability. As God’s people, we reject the devil’s deceit and embrace truth-telling as central to godly, loving relationships. Our testimony and witness must be trustworthy as befits followers of Christ.