Exodus 23:1 “You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness."
This verse stood out to me so strongly when I recently read it. It was as if the Holy Spirit turned the page blank except for these words. It was an answer to prayer I needed and came from an unexpected text. Like God had said, "Behold! Pay attention!
We don't have to have a text tell us to avoid falsehood, wickedness, maliciousness. Most of us want to avoid that naturally. But there it is. God says it anyway. I think it is interesting that this is worded differently than other texts that say "do not lie". God wasn't just talking about speaking the truth. There is responsibility, honest actions, and warning against secret agreements implied as well. The NKJV says, “You shall not circulate a false report." One commentary described the duty to uphold truth and justice, walk in integrity and consideration for all men, and never be in collusion with one who had raised a false report.
Chapter 23 is full of specific examples of dishonesty, and stealing. Maybe because there are so many who think the phrase "do not lie" doesn't apply to their situation. After all, they didn't actually say an un-truth exactly.
Or in Psalms 1:1, "Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners". This verse and many more throughout God's Word give the same message, don't follow counsel from someone who has done wickedly.
"Well, God. I know I'm not supposed to lie, or align myself with those who lie or are being dishonest or have done wicked things....but....I need to keep appearance, or need their advice, or want their approval"
OH HOW FOOLISH!
The Wycliffe commentary says, "To do such a thing puts one in opposition to a Holy God who will not justify wickedness."
Oh God, give me wisdom to keep far from unrighteousness and the strength to uphold truth.
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