Honest!

(Proverbs 24:28 KJV)  Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.

I am struck by this phrase “without cause” (2600).  We get so invested in ideas such as turning the other cheek and loving that we overlook the fact that certain behaviors are proper if there is a cause.  This is an example of the two sided direction of Proverbs.

One side restrains us from lying.  You need a reason to testify against your neighbor, or anyone else.  That testimony is to be “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”  This is so obvious that it must be repeated.

On the other side is the assumption that if there is a cause, you will be a “witness” (5707).  Speaking up is a part of our responsibility as citizens.  Remember, often if you are saying something against someone who is guilty you are speaking in support of someone who is innocent. 

So?  Truth is our standard.  Don’t speak lies.  Don’t lie by not speaking.  May your day go in such a way that you don’t need any witnesses.