Proverbs 25:18: A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow.
Insight
Giving false testimony in court against a neighbor can crush, divide, or pierce like a club … sword, or … arrow. Lying can wound a person’s character and even destroy his life as effectively as weapons. 1
Application
James 3:6:
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.
You must take to heart the Word of God. Are you an arsonist? Are you setting little forest fires in your church? Are you providing only a portion of the truth that allows you to justify your bitterness, while burning the reputation of another? Eventually you will scorch yourself. The Lord will defend His servants in due season. Resist retaliating against the torch thrower. It is better to be on fire with the Holy Spirit, than fighting fire with fire. Let the Lord work in your life and situation. You will never be disappointed.
Motivation
The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, But war was in his heart; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. Psalm 55:21
If you are confident that the Lord will defend you, then there is no need to defend yourself. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, please purify my heart, so I only use words that build up others.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary:
