PODCAST
Don’t Be Hypocritical
July 7th, 2017
Proverbs 11:1-12
When reading the Ten Commandments we tend to interpret the ninth commandment, “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor,” as a commandment against telling lies about others (Exodus 20:16). However, as we observe the behavior of people, we see that this commandment’s meaning can be broader. It can include being silent and not speaking the truth when a neighbor is falsely accused. It can also include raising questions about another’s character, even when to do so is unwarranted.
Proverbs 11 contrasts the righteous and the wicked. The wicked seek to undermine the righteous, and the righteous prevail by their goodness. Verse 9 speaks to both sides, “With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape.” It addresses the one who seeks to destroy the neighbor with words.
Peter reminds us that we should live such exemplary lives that, even when others would speak against us, “they may see your good deeds and glorify God” (1 Peter2:12b). May both our words, and our lives, be righteous and true.
Author: David Restrick
Tags: Righteousness
