Why Honesty Matters in Politics, Religion, and Our Daily Choices
Introduction: Why Truth Matters
We all know that telling the truth is important, but sometimes we forget just how much honesty shapes our lives. Being truthful builds trust, helps us get along with others, and lays a strong foundation for our communities. When lies take over, things can quickly fall apart. That’s why it’s worth taking a closer look at what it really means to tell the truth—and what happens when we don’t.
What Does “Bearing False Witness” Mean?
The phrase “bearing false witness” comes from the ninth commandment in the Bible, which says, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” In simple terms, this means we shouldn’t lie about other people or say things that aren’t true—especially if it hurts them or ruins their good name. Originally, this commandment was about being honest in legal situations, like court cases. But over time, people realized it’s about telling the truth in all parts of life.
Why Lying is a Big Deal
Lying isn’t just a minor mistake; it’s a serious problem. In the Bible, lying is seen as a threat to justice and community. If people can’t trust each other, relationships break down. Communities need honesty to survive. When people lie, it can lead to unfair punishment, broken friendships, and damaged reputations. That’s why the ninth commandment warns us to avoid falsehoods and value the truth.
Lies in Everyday Life, Politics, and Religion
Lies can sneak into all areas of life. Let’s look at some examples:
· Everyday life: Imagine a friend starts a rumor about you that isn’t true. It might hurt your feelings and damage your friendships.
· Politics: When politicians spread false information about their opponents, voters lose trust in the system. Decisions are made based on lies instead of facts.
· Religion: If religious leaders aren’t truthful, followers may be misled, and faith communities can become divided or even fall apart.
No matter where it happens, dishonesty causes confusion, hurt, and loss of trust.
Stories from the Bible
The Bible is full of stories that show what happens when people bear false witness. For example:
· In one story, people lied about a man named Naboth to steal his land. Because of these lies, Naboth was wrongly punished, and the community suffered.
· Another story tells how Jesus himself was falsely accused. People made up stories about him, leading to unfair treatment and suffering.
These stories remind us that lies can do real harm—not just to individuals, but to entire communities.
What Happens When We Lie?
Lying might seem like an easy way out, but it often leads to bigger problems:
· In court: False testimony can send innocent people to jail and let the guilty go free.
· In politics: Political lies can spread fear, make it hard to solve problems, and weaken democracy.
· In religion: When religious leaders or members lie, it can create distrust and drive people away from their faith.
· In our own lives: Lies can destroy friendships, hurt families, and make it hard for people to believe in each other.
The effects of dishonesty ripple out, touching many lives.
The Heart of the Matter: Love and Respect
At its core, being truthful is about loving and respecting others. When we tell the truth, we show that we care about people and value their trust. Honesty helps us build strong relationships and healthy communities. It’s not just about following rules—it’s about treating people with kindness and fairness.
Why This Still Matters Today
In today’s world, it’s easier than ever to spread false information, especially with social media and fast communication. Rumors and lies can go viral in seconds. That’s why honesty is more important than ever. When we share only what is true, we help create a safer and more trustworthy world.
How We Can Be More Truthful
Here are a few simple ways to practice honesty every day:
· Think before you speak. Ask yourself if what you’re about to say is true and fair.
· Don’t repeat rumors unless you know they’re true.
· Admit your mistakes instead of covering them up with lies.
· Speak up if you see someone being treated unfairly because of a lie.
· Encourage others to value honesty, too.
It’s not always easy, but even small steps can make a big difference.
Conclusion: Building a Better World with Truth
Telling the truth isn’t always simple, but it’s always worth it. Honesty helps us build trust, solve problems, and create a better world for everyone. The ninth commandment reminds us that truthfulness matters—in court, in politics, in religion, and in our everyday lives. By choosing honesty, we show love and respect for others and help our communities grow stronger.
Minister A Francine Green
October 2025
afrancinegreen.com 