#178 False

16 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor." Exodus 20:16 NIV

In the simple letter of the matter it would imply that we should not tell a lie about our neighbor. As the history of man unfolds, and the example of a man without blemish unfolds, we find that all these things are amplified to the heart. 28 A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends. Proverbs 16:28 ESV. Most of the world is outwardly guilty of such, for we love gossip and find it much easier to tear down, and is it not similar to when Christ suggest that our angry hearts are the birth place of all murderous deeds. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. James 1:26 ESV. I have watched the corporate world for some time, and have seen many careers built upon the supposed critique of others. There are those in every walk of life that try to find their "Mississippi". Out of the 50 states they would reason that this one makes the others look good, not because the others have excelled but because this one has struggled. We are quick to feel threatened and rather than improve we look for a scape goat, someone whose sin can be revealed for our pleasure and benefit. “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." Matthew 7:1-5. I wish I could leave myself out of this, but there have been so many times that I could have kept my mouth shut, or have gone to the person to help them improve the situation. I could have prayed and looked deep to the condition of my own soul, and then offered them the conviction of example. No one should be your stepping stone; you have defied their Creator when we treat men thus. 20 For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. 2 Corinthians 12:20 ESV. This does not leave in any way sin ignored. We are also instructed to help restore, but it is never the intent of gossip to be helpful, and some of our most deplorable conversations start out with the notion of our own superiority. We act as if we are trying to be helpful, and yet never go to the person or look upon our own sin with equal disdain. None of us would have others see who we really are, but we feel it our duty to expose everyone else, and our satisfied that this lowered view of them has somehow cause the light to shine most brilliantly around ourselves.  Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. 2Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.…Galatians 6:1&2. Oh God, that you would put a guard before my mouth, and help me to bridle my tongue.