Matthew 12:36

36          But I tell you that for every careless word that people speak, they will give an account of it on the day of judgment.

You Have Heard It Said

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

We learned from the original commandment that the idea of a false testimony could lead to a false punishment, and potentially the death of an innocent person. Jesus reminds us that our words will have consequences, and will we have to own up to their consequences on the final day of judgment. Our words carry different forms of power dependent upon the circumstances that we find ourselves in. In all moments, however, we need to recognize that our words should reflect God’s character in all circumstances. They need to be of love, grace, mercy, and justice.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: When you speak, how do you recognize your words? Are they loving and kind? Are they harsh and judgmental?

The Careless Words We Share

In context of Matthew 12, Jesus is talking with the Pharisees. They have accused Him of casting out demons by the power of the devil. Now, all throughout Scripture, it tells us that we are responsible for our actions and words. It’s not just about our actions, but our words. The day of judgment is the time when God will judge the lives of the living and the dead. It’s a day when God’s justice will be fully acknowledged and everyone will be held accountable.

The importance of the “careless words” shows how important our speech is in all parts of our lives. Words were seen as powerful and reflective of our character. Our words aren’t just noises but reflect the heart.  Careless’ here doesn’t mean only flipping remarks, but any speech that is untrue, degrading, and used to manipulate others.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: Read Proverbs 18:21. How do you understand the power of the tongue?

Perjury: The Importance of Truth-Telling

As I was reflecting on Jesus’ words, it brought me to the concept of perjury. While perjury is a vivid example, Jesus is also warning against gossip, slander, exaggeration, and any speech that damages other or distorts the truth. Since the original Mosaic command focuses on the legalism of lying about each other, I think it’s pertinent to understand how perjury occurs in our world today, what it is, and what impact does it has. When we learn about that, we incorporate these lessons into our daily life.

Perjury is intentionally swearing falsely or omitting key truths after taking an oath, typically in court, depositions, or sworn statements. It requires both an intent and an effect on the case’s outcome. When someone perjures, it can lead to a wrongful conviction, a mistrial, and an abuse of justice that harms innocent people. It can cause public distrust in our legal system and destroy reputations, divide communities, and cause personal devastation. Those that perjure can face up to five years in prison and fines for a basic felony. Aggravated cases can face up to ten years in prison. While the law punishes formal lies under oath, scripture calls us to a higher standard: truthfulness in every word, not just in the courtroom.

Think of this: a personal who saw a car accident lies that the light was green so they can protect a friend from going to prison. There was a case in 1993, US v. Dunnigan, where the defendant denied handling cocaine under oath despite the evidence that proved this to be true. Marion Jones, an athlete, lied about using steroids under oath and faced six months in jail. Perjurers found themselves suffering from felony records, which lost them jobs, housing, rights, fractured relationships, and more.

I share all this to show a realistic example of the effects of lying. It creates a false reality for others and can make others suffer because of your own words. You may lie to seek revenge on a person that hurt you. You may lie to obtain something that they have. The idea is very self-centered and selfish, trying to force justice into your own hands. At the same time, we must remember that God’s justice will be served on His time when He determines. It often will not be on our own timeline, but when it happens – it will be just, truthful, and honoring. Those that have lied will face the consequences of their actions. Those that have avoided the real consequences will face them and more.

We talked briefly about Matthew 5:38-42, where Jesus describes not resisting an evil person: “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.” (paraphrased Matthew 5:40). This is not saying that you should let all people always abuse you and your boundaries. There are certain circumstances where you need to cut people out, stop interacting with others, and quit certain actions. However, there is a realization that we cannot control the justice of the world. We can try to navigate these things, but at the end of the day, people will continue to do what they seem best for them. We can navigate what is best for us, but the overall arch of justice will be handled by God and God alone. It’s not our job to intervene, but our job to reflect God’s justice to those we interact with. We are not called to take personal revenge, but we are called to act justly where we can, while still trusting that God will ultimately set all things right.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: How do you understand perjury now and how will you make sure not to commit it in your daily life?

Next part: Overcoming Greed || You Have Heard It Said || Part 10 (FINALE)

Sources

• https://bibletalk.tv/the-ninth-commandment
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perjury
• https://hartmannlawfirm.net/article/how-common-is-perjury/
• https://philosophy.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/William-Wang-The-Universal-Immorality-of-Perjury.pdf
• https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-perjury-definition-penalty-example.html
• https://www.alabar.org/office-of-general-counsel/formal-opinions/2009-01/
• https://www.biblword.net/what-does-the-ninth-commandment-teach-us/
• https://www.burnhamgorokhov.com/federal-perjury-charges-and-punishments/
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• https://www.daeryunlaw.com/us/insights/perjury-law-in-washington-dc
• https://www.garfinkelcriminallaw.com/chicagocriminalblog/what-to-know-about-perjury-and-lying-under-oath
• https://www.justia.com/criminal/offenses/white-collar-crimes/perjury/
• https://www.justice.gov/archives/jm/criminal-resource-manual-1755-perjury-cases-special-problems-and-defenses-charging
• https://www.justice.gov/archives/jm/criminal-resource-manual-1761-perjury-cases-sentencing-issues
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• https://www.seattlelitigation.com/blogs/perjury