Malicious Witnesses
Our culture finds truth boring. Dysfunction is sensationalized. Controversy brings ratings. Our favorite callers to the radio talk shows are the most critical ones. No one is very concerned with how their statements may fair in the family of their neighbor. We fan the flames of exaggeration, criticism, and slander with little thought that the coach or the politician we loathe has children, a mother, and may or may not (any longer) have friends. We are malicious witnesses. The covenant community of God relied heavily on truth. The penalty for perjury in a court of law was severe. [1] The question of the culture and courts was not what was more believable, or even what was more entertaining, but rather what was true? After all, these same people who tell stories about one another are also responsible to tell the story of God. If they “bear false witness” against their neighbor, their fellow countryman, some kid’s dad, can they be trusted to witness before others about