Exodus 23:1
“You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse is a powerful reminder that our words and actions have consequences, even in seemingly small ways. It's not just about avoiding outright lies, but also about refusing to give any credence or support to harmful gossip or injustice, essentially saying no to becoming an accessory to wrongdoing.
This verse falls within the "Book of the Covenant," a collection of laws and judgments given to the Israelites after they agreed to obey God's commands at Mount Sinai. It immediately follows laws concerning justice and restitution, and precedes instructions on impartiality, resting the land, and observing religious festivals. The directives here emphasize honesty and integrity, particularly in legal proceedings and public discourse, extending the principles of the Ten Commandments into practical daily life.
Ever scrolled past a juicy rumor online and felt the urge to share? This verse calls us to pause and consider the real impact of words, even seemingly small ones.
This commandment goes beyond just lying in court. It addresses both originating and receiving false reports.
Don't Start It...
...Or Spread It
Together, these commands emphasize a commitment to truth and integrity in all our communications, protecting the vulnerable from harm.
The phrase 'put not thine hand with the wicked' sounds like a conspiracy. What does it really mean to lend your 'hand' to injustice, and why is it so serious?
This part of the verse isn't just about testifying falsely in court; it's about actively becoming an accessory to wrongdoing.
The Power of Association
Understand the original words
shaw · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
Refers to information, statements, or claims that are untrue, deceptive, or contrary to the truth. In biblical law, it is strictly forbidden to protect the integrity of the community and uphold God's standard of truthfulness.
rasha · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A person characterized by moral corruption, hostility toward God’s law, or active pursuit of injustice. Throughout the Bible, the 'wicked' stand in contrast to the 'righteous' who fear God.
ed chamas · Hebrew Noun phrase
Testimony given with the intent to harm, deceive, or destroy another person. It represents a corruption of the judicial process, which is designed to protect the innocent.
This passage directly echoes Exodus 23:1, prohibiting stealing, dealing falsely, and lying against one's neighbor, reinforcing the importance of truthfulness.
Proverbs 10:19This verse highlights the danger of unchecked talk, stating that in a multitude of words, sin is not absent, which strongly relates to the prohibition against spreading false reports.
Psalm 15:1-5This psalm describes the character of one who may dwell in God's presence, including the one who 'does not slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor,' directly paralleling the ethical standards set in Exodus 23:1.
Matthew 5:33-37Jesus expands on the Old Testament commands regarding oaths and truthfulness, urging His followers to let their 'yes' be 'yes' and their 'no' be 'no,' which speaks to the core principle of integrity behind the prohibition of false witness.
James 4:11James directly addresses the sin of speaking evil against a brother or judging him, underscoring the serious implications of spreading rumors or falsehoods, as forbidden in Exodus 23:1.
gillExodus 23:1: "Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness."
Thou shalt not raise a false report,.... Of a neighbour, or of any man whatever, either secretly by private slanders, whispers, backbiting and tale bearing, by innuendos, detracting from his good name and credit, suggesting things false and wicked concerning him; or publicly in a court of judicature, bringing a false accusation, laying a false charge, and bearing a false testimon…
pooleExodus 23:1: "Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness."
False witness and report forbidden, Exodus 23:1 . Right must not be wrested, Exodus 23:2 . He commands man to do good to his enemies, Exodus 23:3-5 . Bribes are forbidden, Exodus 23:8 . The years of sowing appointed, and gathering, Exodus 23:10 . Of the seventh year, which is the year of rest; God’s command concerning it, Exodus 23:11 . Of the sabbath day, Exodus 23:12 . Other go…
This verse is a powerful reminder that our words and actions have consequences, even in seemingly small ways. It's not just about avoiding outright lies, but also about refusing to give any credence or support to harmful gossip or injustice, essentially saying no to becoming an accessory to wrongdoing.
This verse falls within the "Book of the Covenant," a collection of laws and judgments given to the Israelites after they agreed to obey God's commands at Mount Sinai. It immediately follows laws concerning justice and restitution, and precedes instructions on impartiality, resting the land, and observing religious festivals. The directives here emphasize honesty and integrity, particularly in legal proceedings and public discourse, extending the principles of the Ten Commandments into practical daily life.
This verse falls within the "Book of the Covenant," a collection of laws and judgments given to the Israelites after they agreed to obey God's commands at Mount Sinai. It immediately follows laws concerning justice and restitution, and precedes instructions on impartiality, resting the land, and observing religious festivals. The directives here emphasize honesty and integrity, particularly in legal proceedings and public discourse, extending the principles of the Ten Commandments into practical daily life.
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The Principle of Impartiality
This command calls us to be acutely aware of how our involvement, even seemingly small, can bolster wickedness and undermine truth.
"“You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness." — This verse is a powerful reminder that our words and actions have consequences, even in seemingly small ways. It's not just about avoiding outright lies, but also about refusing to give any credence…
