Slander, Accusing & Bearing False Witness
01/28/17 (11/29) Video Broadcast
We want to begin by saying
that today's lesson is a
little bit hard, but
it's also very important.
And so many times, I see,
even among those who have
an appreciation for the things that are spoken of in the Torah, the law of Yahweh. It's quite possible, you may have a little bit of, I don't know, things that are ... because of the emphasis placed sometimes on the blessing of Yahweh's law and the Sabbath and these things which we love very much. The lifestyle he is giving us is a wonderful lifestyle. Sometimes, we miss the weightier matters if we are not careful. Yahushua, talked about that in, Matthew 23:23, the weightier matters being; justice, mercy, and faith. So, we live in a society where everything is instant. If you want to know what's going on on the other side of the world, you just click a few buttons on your mouse or on your smartphone and there it is. If you want to know what the weather is, almost anything you could possibly ever want to know. You've got the tree of knowledge of good and evil right here on these little smartphones or on your computers. want to know the knowledge of what's good obviously. But we have this instant mentality, we think it has to happen now. And with that comes a tendency to wanna be quick to judge, quick to make a discernment about
someone's character and with that comes a danger of bearing false witness or thinking evil thoughts about someone and the with that comes slander. So, it's an important matter, it's important enough to be included in the Ten Commandments actually we are going to be sharing. So I wanna talk today about the topic of
slander, accusations and bearing false witness. Most of us when we think of bearing false witness, we might think about, are we just telling a lie? Or slander might be, "as long as it's true it's not
slander." That's what a lot of people tend to think. But this is not accurate; at least bearing false witness is usually aligned. There is actually a more narrow meaning intended when we actually look into this commandment. In Exodus chapter 20 verse 16 it says, you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. What does that mean, to bear false witness? What does that mean? hat's a witness? A witness is someone who saw something or experienced something right? And so, they are sharing what was seen or what was evident to them. So, if it's a false witness, that would mean they are telling a lie about something they saw or something they heard. As a specific example of a false witness in scripture
here in Deuteronomy chapter 19 verse 16, it says, if a false witness rises against any man to testify against him of wrongdoing, then both men in the controversy shall stand before Yahweh, before the priests and the judges who serve in those days. And the judges shall make careful inquiry and indeed if the witness is a false witness who has testified falsely against his brother, then you shall do to him as he thought to have done to his brother. So you shall put away the evil from among you.
And those who remain shall hear and fear, and hereafter they shall... pardon me. not again commit evil among you. Your eye shall not pity, life shall be for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. So, to bear false witness against your neighbor is basically to falsely accuse someone of wrong doing.
In this case, false witnesses who testified falsely against another person saying they did something wrong they would be given the punishment that they thought to have gotten or the man who was wrongly accused would've thought to have gotten, he would've gotten it. So, the very trap he sought to entrap another, that false witness will fall into that trap.
So, it was a very, very serious matter in Israel for one to bear false witness. And I tell you if we had that kind of controversy, that kind of principle in the American criminal justice system, where if judge inquiry was made and it could be proven the witness was a false witness that they would be given the same punishment as they thought to give to the other person. Then I tell you what? There'd be a lot less lying in the courtrooms. But sadly that's not the way the system is set up. So, now notice the judges were required to make what he said was, "careful inquiry" diligent, careful inquiry before making a judgment. We see this in other instances as well. In Deuteronomy chapter 13 it says if you hear someone in one of your cities, which Yahweh your mighty one gives you to dwell in saying; corrupt men have gone out from among you and enticed the inhabitants of the city saying let's go and serve other mighty ones which you have not known. Then you shall inquire, search out, ask diligently and if it is indeed true that such an abomination was committed among you, you shall surely strike the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword utterly destroying it, all that is in it and it's livestock with the edge of the sword. another place in Deuteronomy chapter 17 verse 2, if there is found among you within you gates which Yahweh your mighty one gives you, a man or a woman who has been wicked in the sight of Yahweh your mighty one and transgressing his covenant. Who has gone and served other mighty ones and worshiped them either the sun or moon of the host of heaven which I have not commanded. And it is told you and you hear of it then you shall... hat? inquire diligently and if it is indeed true and
certain that such an abomination has been committed and is real. Then you shall bring out to your gates that man or woman who has committed that wicked thing and you shall stone to death that man or woman with stones. And so, we see here the importance of making diligent inquiry, diligent inquiry before judging
that someone has done wrong or done evil. And while it's true the context of these cases would be a code of law it's also true that judgment begins at the household of Yahweh. 1st Peter 4:17, for the time has come for judgment to begin at the household. The household of Elohim right? 1 Corinthians 6 verse 2 says, do you not know the
saints will judge the world and if the world is judged by you are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? So, the principles of judgment are the same. Yahweh's will concerning the judgment of matters is a consistent, diligent inquiry before any sort of
judgment is made against another, before being a witness against another person. If this is not done and a false witness speaks in the Torah, there were very dangerous consequences. It's agreed, they said, " in the eyes of Yahweh and Yahweh is not pleased" But I've noticed so often, so, so often I have seen where people even in the body Messiah are very quick to judge the character of another person with hardly any inquiry at all.
And so often I have seen quick, snap judgments, accusations, "another person is this or they've done something wrong here or this is what kind of person they are". When really the person has done nothing at all. and indeed so soften I have seen one person assassinate the character or reputation of another person based on suspicions in thorny, thorny spiritual discernment. When in reality it is an unclean spirit bringing these things to their mind. And what's more, such accusations are often done privately and without the other person's knowledge.
I will be bold here, among the very bold and say freely and bluntly that anyone practicing these things is bearing false witness and is actually imitating the devil.
In fact they Greek word from which we get the term, "devil', the Greek word is "diabolos". You know what diabolos means in Greek? It means accuser. In Luke chapter 16 verse 1 it says, Yahushua told his
disciples," there was a certain rich man who had a steward and a diabolos, an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. So he called him and said what this I hear about you is?" Give an account of your stewardship for you can no longer be a steward. so the word there is translated as diabolos 12:25 in the Greek text. Luke 12:25, where we get the term "devil".
Now like the context of that verse you know offer a good definition, we see it just means accused. Devil simply means to accuse, diabolos simply means to accuse. Now, why is Satan called the accuser? Why is that? Revelation 12 verse 9, so the great dragon was cast out that serpent of old called the devil and Satan. Who deceives the whole world he was cast to the earth and his angels were cast out with him. That I heard a loud voice saying in heaven now, "salvation, strength and the kingdom of our Elohim and the power of his Messiah have come. For the accuser of our brethren, the accuser of our brethren who accused them before Elohim day and
night has been cast down. He accused us before Elohim nonstop and they
overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony and they did not love their lives to the death." Now some of them accusations may have been true, some of them may have not been true. But we see that is the character trait of the enemy, of Satan. To accuse to, be an accuser, always finger pointing. And the word diabolos is a Septuagint translation of the Hebrew word, "Satan" which means adversary, Satan meaning adversary. So, the Greek translation of the Old Testament goes back to like 200 BC or 300 BC. so, you are talking about an old translation, but from the beginning, a predominant characteristic of Satan is indeed the role of an accuser. Go back to the book of Genesis chapter 3 verse 1 it says, the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which Yahweh Elohim had made. And he said to the woman, " As Elohim's mandate said, you shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" And the woman said to the serpent, "we may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden. Elohim has said, you shall not eat nor shall you touch it, lest you die. Verse 4, then the serpent said to the woman, " you will not surely die". There is the first lie in the bible right there and the first accusation. "For Elohim knows in the day that you eat it, and your eyes will be opened and you will be like Elohim knowing good and evil." now, what he said was actually true. However, the underlying, subtle right? Cunning, subtle accusation was that Elohim didn't want Adam and Eve to be a great one of his own position. And so he was withholding something good from Eve and From Adam. So, that was the subtle implication and therefore accusation. So, even in subtlety, we can be imitating the adversary. In Job chapter verse 8, Yahweh says to Satan, " have you considered my servant Job? That there is none like him on the earth; blameless and upright man, one who fears Elohim and shuns evil." So Satan answered Yahweh and said, "Does Job fear Elohim for nothing? Have you not made a hedge around him, around his household, around all that he has? On every side, you have blessed the work of his hands and his possessions have increased in the land, but now stretch out your hand and touch all he has and he will surely curse you to your face." accusations, accusing the saints before Yahweh,
night and day, day and night. But then when Job did not curse Yahweh as the adversary had predicted, something else happened. Chapter 2 verse 3 Yahweh said to Satan, 'have you considered my servant Job? There is none like him on the earth; a blameless and upright man, one who fears Elohim and shuns evil. And still, he holds fast to his integrity although you incited me against him, to destroy him without cause." So, Satan answered Yahweh and said, "Skin for skin, yes all of the man has, he will give for his life. But now stretch out your hand now and touch his bone and his flesh and he will surely curse you to your face." So, the adversary once again made the accusation that Job would curse Yahweh to his face if Yahweh permitted bad things to happen to him. So, we see some consistency here in the spirit of the adversary, in the spirit of false accusations. If you continue reading the book of Job, you will see the same spirit later influenced Jobs three quote, "friends" to accuse him of wrongdoing continuously. They tried to say, "Yahweh is punishing you for your sins" and all these things. I got a long list of things that they accused him of. But then later, Yahweh rebuked these three so called friends. Job 42 verse 7, so was after Yahweh had spoken these words to Job, Yahweh said to Eliphaz the Temanite, " my wrath is aroused against you and your two friends for you have not spoken of me what is right as my servant Job has. Now, therefore, take for yourselves seven bulls and rams, go to my servant Job and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering and my servant Job shall pray for you for I will accept him lest I deal with you according to your folly. Because you have not spoken of me what is right as my servant Job has." So, it's very important we're not being influenced by the same spirit in any way. Actually, when you go back to the book of Job you'll find that a spirit passed before the face of one of the friends and the hairs on the back of his neck and said, " if he charges angels with fall, how much more those who dwell in houses of clay?" And so the enemy actually planted that thought in their hearts. It was an unclean spirit. Rather than being like the adversary, Satan the devil, the accuser, why don't you be like Yahushua? We know Yahushua came to this earth and he was often accused, but he never falsely accused anyone. He was extremely patient, he knew the hearts of men, he knew the things that were going on. But he was very patient and very loving and very understanding. In Mark 15 verse 19 where they are accusing him, it says, again and again, they struck him on the head with a reed and spat on him. And bowed their knees and they worshiped him. And when they had mocked him, they took the purple robe off of him and put his own clothes on him. And then amount to crucify him. You know of all they had done to him, one would think that he had every reason in the world to stand at that moment and say, " you all are wicked, you're evil. You're accusing me of all these things". And he would've been right to actually accuse them back. But he being wise, being understanding and being
full of compassion. Here is his response Luke 23:33, when they came to the place called Calvary there they crucified him and the criminals. One the right hand, one other on the left. And Yahushua said, " father forgive them for they do not know what they do." Perfect opportunity for him to say, "father kill them, father they're evil". No father forgive them. Brothers we have to seek the wisdom, the understanding, the truth of Yahweh before we set out to accuse someone of something to malign their character. To say that they are doing something that they shouldn't do. If Yahushua lacked Yahweh's wisdom it would've been easy for him to judge their motives as being purely evil and wrong. But he understood, they simply didn't know what they were doing. Even when a person does something wrong, we should seek Yahweh's wisdom to understand where mercy comes in. Yahushua prayed and they were .... because they were ignorantly doing evil. And often the case, when a person does something wrong and people accused him and run them down.
They may not realize they are doing the wrong thing. And too often, when a person is being accused by
others and their slanderous word you know it's done secretly.
Very common the practice of tale bearing today, tale bearing and slander are so common, so automatic, so entranced the way people are brought up and the way society is today. And sometimes we don't realize how grievous it is and how damaging it is. To people and how much Yahweh so greatly despises it. And slander actually harms three people; did you hear
that? Every time slander is spoken or tale-bearing is spoken or someone speaking negatively about someone else, it harms three people. The first one obviously; the person whom it's about
and Proverbs 11:9, "the hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge, the righteous will be delivered". It also says the hypocrite, because you know what? The old saying, "one finger pointed out, three fingers are pointing back" correct? So, we all have our faults right?
But through knowledge, the righteous will be delivered. So, the weapon used by those who slander is the tongue, the tongue is a sharp, cutting razor. Psalms 52 verse 1 through 5 says, why do you boast of evil, oh mighty man? The goodness of Elohim endures continually. Your tongue devises destruction like a sharp razor working deceitfully. You love evil more than good, lying rather than speaking righteousness. You love all devouring words, you deceitful tongue. Elohim shall likewise destroy you forever. He shall take you away and pluck you out of your drawing place and uproot you from the land of the living. Psalm 140 in verse 1 through 4 says, deliver me oh Yahweh from evil men preserve me from violent men. Who plan evil things in their hearts, they continually gather together for war. They sharpen their tongues like a serpent the poison of asps is under their lips. Selah. Keep me oh Yahweh from the hands of the wicked, preserve me from violent men who have purpose to make my steps stumble. David calls them violent men, their violent tongue results in violent slander of one's character, one's reputation. Psalm 140 verse 11 says, let not a slanderer be established in the earth, let evil hunt the violent man to overthrow him. You know all the time that Saul was hunting down David trying to kill him. Much of it was because his advisors would slander David and bear false witness against him. And 1st Samuel chapter 24 verse 8 says, David also rose afterward and went out of the cave and called to Saul saying, " my master the king!" and when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth and bowed down. And David said to Saul, " why do you listen to the words of men who say' indeed David seeks your harm'? Look this day you have seen that Yahweh delivered to today into my hands in the cave. And someone urged me to kill you, but my eyes spared you. And I said, 'I will not stretch out my hand against my master for he is Yahweh's anointed'." See when a man hates another man his conscience may not permit him to actually murder the person, go ahead. So instead he seeks to destroy him with the mouth. The difference is that murder destroys the body, but tale bearing destroys the person while they are alive. It's a living destruction, it's an emotional destruction. There is a murderous spirit behind the tale-bearing that sows seeds of rejection between the one who is being slandered about and the one who is hearing the slander.
The murderous spirit behind tale-bearing is seen in the way Yahweh inspired this particular commandment to be written. It says Leviticus 19:16, you shall not go about as a talebearer among your people nor shall you... What? Take a stand against the life of your neighbor. I am Yahweh. What's our life? our life consists of working and relationships
and fellowship and love between humankind. If someone can come and create a slander against the one person what happens? There is two people who are formerly at peace with each other, now there is a tearing apart, a division, a separation. Where this person over here he is not what I thought he was. He, according to my friend over here, he is this. So, you're actually taking a stand against his life
because what your life consists of loving and relationships and all these things that we enjoy as human beings. So this tale bearing destroys lives, wounding the other person sometimes irreparably because the harm done to someone through tale-bearing is not just something that could be easily repaired. It can be a permanent way of harming another person. So, tale bearing harms three people, slander harms three people. It also harms the person who is saying the slander; did you know that? If you slander another person you're hurting yourself. How are you hurting yourself when you speak evil of another person? Do you recall what Yahushua said in Matthew chapter 5 verse 21 through 22? He said, "you've heard it said to those who were of old. Those of old you shall not murder and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you that was even angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother 'Raca' " Which is an insultive term. "Shall be in danger of the council. Whoever says, 'you fool!' , shall be in danger of Gehenna." To call someone names, name calling, anger are both inspired by the spirit of murder.
1st John 3 verse 15 says whoever hates his brother is a murderer and you know; no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. It is such a serious, serious matter.
You've got to pay attention. So, whoever speaks the slanderous accusation is in endangering themselves. As they are operating in the spirit of murder.
James chapter 5 verse 9 says, do not grumble against one another brother lest you be condemned. You'll be condemned just by grumbling against one another. Behold the judge is standing at the door. Those who grumble about other people are placing themselves possibly under condemnation. I mean it's that serious to Yahweh. James chapter 3 verse 3 to 6 says, indeed we put bits in the horse's mouth that they may obey us and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships, although they are so large and driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so, the tongue is a little member and boats great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles. And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is a seed among members that defiles the whole body. And sets on fire the course of nature and is set on fire by Gehenna or hell.
For every kind of beast and bird and reptile and creature of the sea has been tamed by mankind but no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Elohim and father and with it, we curse men who have been made in the similarity of Elohim. Out of the same mouth precedes blessings and curses. My brethren these things ought not be so. does a spring set forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree my brethren bear olives or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh. So, you know those who are grumbling, complaining, speaking evil of others are submitting to the evil tongue Lashon Hara. In Hebrew which is a word for iniquity. It sets on fire the course of nature the Greek word it's a wheel of motion. You send out the things which would defiling tongue actually swings back around on yourself.
So, out goes the slander and the wheel comes right back around. So, and the evil tongue is set on fire by Gehenna, finds its origin there.
For the spirit that brings man's destruction upon himself is the spirit which finds the lake of fire to be its final resting place.
spirit of falsehood and slander and blasphemy and pollution seems to aspire the tongue defiling the whole body and many become defiled by it. But from where it comes, the slanderous tongue. From where comes evil speaking?
It comes from the heart. How the heart the mouth speaks. That's why you can't tame the tongue. Because out of the mouth, the mouth will speak. The only way you can possibly have a tongue under control is if the heart is clean. But the problem is there is roots of bitterness growing up inside the hearts of many. Pursue peace with all people and holiness scripture says. Hebrews 12: 14 to 15 says pursue peace with all, without which no one will see Yahweh his holiness. Looking carefully, carefully lest anyone falls short of the grace of Elohim. Lest roots, any root of bitterness bringing up cause trouble and by this many become defiled.
So, the slanderous tongue actually harms the person speaking it.
There is another person that it harms also, the person listening to it. That's because those who listen to slander are tempted to wrongly think the evil of this other person. That brings the temptation in their heart.
Ever had this? I mean you'll be thinking someone is a wonderful person and then someone comes along and says some kind of thing about them? And even though you never really completely receive what's being said about them, you are never the same. The heart is always wondering; is that really true what that person said? And you might be looking for the evidence that the thing might be true and the sad thing is; it takes a whole lot less evidence to convince you. ou don't have to do diligent inquiry anymore if your heart has already been defiled by the evil speaking. It might just take a little bit of evidence to beg the guy is probably right about him or about her. Do you see the danger? It harms you too, you who listen. If you listen to it will harm you because you will always wonder. "What if it's true?" The sad thing is that's what happens. And if you enjoy it's even worse.
Proverbs 18:8 says the words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles and they go down into the innermost body.
And then the Proverbs repeated in Proverbs 16:26, 22 the words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles and they go down into the innermost body.
Whenever a proverb or prescripts repeats it twice, I think that Yahweh is allowing that in there to teach us it's particularly important. And we would do well to pay special attention. Now the word translated tasty trifles is from the Hebrew word, "Laham" which means to gulp, to swallow greedily, and to be gulped. so, the one being harmed is the one hearing it, that's
because those who listen to slander are tempted to think wrongly of the other person and not be at peace with them. And perhaps their heart will also be defiled. So, we gotta be aware of what's going on, we've got
to be aware. We have to realize what's happening, we are being warned to pursue peace with all. Because one word of slander about another person and you are never the same again most of the time. Before you had no reason to think negatively of the person or reject the person, but no with time you are looking like, "I wonder do you see the problem?" And so the only way you stop slander is to
confront it. Confront it, but here is the problem; the one who spoke evil of the other person there can be a temptation of pride in your own heart. You don't want to confront the person who just slandered the other person because you are afraid that you yourself will be slandered. And therefore you are not wanting to lay down your life for your brother. And say, "You know I think it's wrong to speak
negatively of other persons like that. I think it's wrong and if they heard you they will probably be very hurt that you said this thing about them." We have to be bold and lay down our life for our brother even if that might be true. Even if that might be true. We don't want the root of bitterness to have any place lest roots become plants that bear fruit and the fruit becomes the seed that will fuel other. And your heart can defile others as well. These trifles which are tasty to the flesh create division, discord, and bitterness between two people who would otherwise be at peace. scripture says blessings are on the head of the righteous but the violence covers the mouth of the wicked. A person choosing to slander may not be physically violent for this tongue is pouring out violence. Then we'll understand the importance of names and we do, I think understand the importance of names. Right? We understand that a good name is better to be chosen than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold. And so if this is true, then when we're are taking
from someone's good name otherwise good name. And we're taking from them, we're stealing; we're stealing something from them that they had before, a good name. And that's even more important than riches. In the court of law, a talebearer could be a false witness. They can ultimately result and they themselves obtain the death penalty. In the court of public record though is saying the fact of death is actually created because death is a permanent separation between the dead person and anyone else, right? Slander also creates separation, so that people will avoid the one who is being spoken evil of because they assume it's true. And they want nothing to do with the other person and therefore there is separation. And that's why it's a spirit of murder. Those who slander others are automatically playing the hypocrite because, I mean really, who is perfect? And that's why it says, the hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor. So next time you consider repeating something that may be harmful to the other person think about that. Remember the dangers of this. Because we are participating in something that Yahweh calls "an abomination".
Sixth thing Yahweh hates your seven abominations in proverbs 16; a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies and one who sows discord among brethren. it's an abomination. And slander destroys people, those with proud looks and lying tongues, devise wicked plans that are swiftly carried out, to bear false witness and sow discord. Are all abominations to Yahweh. Psalm 101 verses 5 says; whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy. Wow, I remember the first time I read this scripture; I was floored. I'm absolutely floored. Secretly slandering him, wow, I hear it all the
time. And pride often goes hand in hand see the one that has a haughty look, and a proud heart him I will not endure. That's the price associated with the slander because often it made you reason behind such things is to feed one's own pride by putting another person down. See, if you are able to successfully slander somebody else that causes you to seem so distant from that offense.
And so you lift yourself up, "well, I'm not like these other men, I'm not like these others." And many will seek to peer down at another person and make judgments about them real or imagined. So they themselves might seem to be above them and better than them. There are people that's a part of reputation. It's a part of their normal personality, is to find some fault with everyone that they are in contact with. And whisper about them to others. But you know, remember this, if you talk about someone else they are probably talking about you too.
Remember that. I found that to be very true. In Philippians chapter 2 verses 3 it says; let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit. But in lowliness of mind, let each man esteem others better than themselves. That's what we need to be. "Oh, yeah that person is a lot better than I am." "Yeah, I think he's a pretty awesome brother."
Awesome sister over there. I've got things to learn from them." That's humility; the opposite is conceit which is pride and selfish ambitions.
False accusers are among the evil traits of those who we find in the last days. 2nd Timothy 3 verse 1 through 5 says, but know this; in the last days, Palestine's will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemous, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanders without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, hardy, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of Elohim, having a form of righteousness but denying its power and from such people turn away. Talking of those who are claiming to be believers. We certainly do not want to have any of these characteristics this including being a slanderer. These are characteristics of evil not good. We must realize the importance of not being a slanderer a false accuser. And not even speaking evil of one another. James 4 verse 11 through 12; do not speak evil of one another brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you're not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver who is able to save and to destroy you or you to judge another.
Why is it that the one who speaks evil of another speaks evil of the law and the Torah? Well, when a person speaks slander to his brother in whom Yahushua the living law, the living Torah dwells, the living word that made flesh and dwelt among us dwells. He slanders the law, and that Yahushua himself damaging the body of Messiah.
In as much as we have done to the of these my brethren; Yahushua said, "You've done it unto me". You're destroying the body of messiah when you choose to speak evil of one of its members. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Don't destroy your brother with your mouth. Even if you think it's true, even if you're sure it's true. That's not the time or the place or the manner in which these things should be dealt with.
Now, how does Yahweh being a lawgiver prove James' point? When a person murders another person physically he is usurping Yahweh's authority as the one who decides the death of the other person right? Yahweh knows we're gonna die it's his decision when we die. When we murder spiritually, verbally; we're usurping Yahweh's authority as a lawgiver. We set ourselves up as a judge who is able to save and to destroy. And so rather than being a doer of the law, we'd become a judge. Taking over the position of a lawgiver who is able to save and who is able to destroy. And so you create your own sets of rules and your own sets of judgments one that Yahweh actually condemns in the law. Tale-bearing is forbidden in the law. To say you set up your own law. And so Yahweh has said, well you'd be judged by your own words then. Because most of the time the very thing the one thing that is actually being of the other person doing wrong, the very person that's accusing is often guilty of the same thing or something similar to it. And that's why they see it so clearly. If a brother stands and you speak evil of him and you slander him, then you become guilty of sinning because the law commands we do not slander, we do not tale bear. Yahweh will then judge us by the same judgment we judged and that's what we need to avoid entirely. Right? Judge not, that you be not judged. What judgment you judge you will be judged, with the measure you use will be measured back to you.
Luke 6:37; judge, not you shall not be judged. Condemn not, you shall not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.
James 5:9; do not grumble against one another brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold the judge is standing at the door. So, all we gotta do to speak evil of someone is by grumbling or calling someone a senseless man or a fool. Then we are in danger of being judged. Torah says; you shall not go about as a talebearer among your people. The word tale bear is "rakil'. A slanderer, slanderer, a talebearer, informer and actually the word it's written in a way it means to go about. Traveling about, you see this word here.
It's like a merchant you see it's better than this word "rakal'. To go about, a traitor a trafficker. A tale-bearer is like a merchant in that the talebearer will go from one person to another. But his wares which he is selling is his stories which malign the reputation of other people. And those who buy into his stories are the purchaser of the stolen goods. Don't buy into these stories. It's stolen goods because it takes away the otherwise good name of the victims. What scripture says is; you shall not steal. What scripture says is; a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches. See it all ties in together. And say if you're stealing from someone's good name if you're causing someone who otherwise would have a good name and causing others to think negatively of that person. You are violating the Torah. You are violating Yahweh's word. You're in sin. It's better to have a good name than great riches and you're stealing from their good name. Now, most of us are not going to step into someone's house and steal their belongings. And so we think that we are keeping that commandment just fine and not steal. But we can take their good name away from them. That's even worse than taking their possessions. If you stole their money that could be replaced. You steal their good name it's not so easily replaced. Stigma will follow them and harass them, sometimes for the rest of their lives. I know there was a story of a leader, a religious leader. And he was being slandered by someone in the
community. The one who was slandering their religious leader said, "I just realized I'm completely wrong about this man. I completely misunderstood." He felt really, really bad and so he went to the religious leader and he said, " I apologize, is there anything I can do to make it up to you?" and the man says, " go get a goose feather pillow and
unzip it and then go up to the top of the hill or say next to the city here. And on a windy day just blow all the feathers out of the pillow." "Oh okay.' So, the man went home and he got a goose feather pillow and it was a windy day already. So he went up atop a hill and he opened it up and let all the feathers fly off into the wind.
So, he went back to the religious leader and he said, 'well I've done what you asked me to do". And he says, "Okay. Now go back and get all those feathers and put them back into the pillow" The man said, "that's impossible". He says, "It is impossible for you to make it up to me but I will forgive you. But the damage is done." And that's what happens. One person tells another, who tells another, who tells another and you have no idea where it goes.
So be careful what you say. It can do a tremendous amount of damage. You know what? I think this sis common even in ministries. They will accuse the president; they'll accuse
government leaders of being evil. And they think that's okay. And in politicians, they accuse one another of things that aren't even true, but they slander one another in order to gain advantage and win the race. Who can sling the most mud on the other person? They call it mudslinging. And they consider it normal. And there are ministries providing so-called cutting-edge information on what's truly going on behind the scenes and they slander the government. They slander the government leaders, they claim these world leaders are planning to do this, and they are planning that. You know every single presidency I've seen where so-called cutting edge websites that are in the know about so-called conspiracies. They say, I remember back in the 90's "Bill Clinton will never give up his presidency, he will a call martial law". Said the same thing about George Bush, "no he will not give up his presidency, he will call a martial law. They said the same thing about Barack Obama, "he will not give up his presidency, and he will call a martial law". It's like you just slandered the man. Don't you realize you're tale-bearing? A lot of times all these claims are just a bunch of could be's and maybe's and possibilities, accusations that are made. No diligent inquiry can be done really. You're not in the rooms where they have their meetings and they speak and you don't know what's really going on at the white house every day.
Do we really know? Can they really prove anything? See, we gotta be a people who are diligent. Who do diligent inquiry. If we are Torah keepers, we're willing to keep Yahweh's word. We need to be those doing diligent inquiry before we raise up an accusation against anyone. And even if we do have an accusation against them; does that mean we have to say it? We end up damaging their character. he way you deal with it, is you deal with the person directly.
And too often, when it comes to these so-called ministries and website and things like that. They quickly malign the character of different people who are not their political persuasion. We're not called to be spending our time doing all that. Where in the New Testament that talks so terribly about Caesar. Now, Caesar was you know an idol worshipper. And instead it says pray for the leaders. It says to pray for them. That's what we need to do. Don't slander, just pray. And sometimes even those in leadership will do
this. And that's when it's most disturbing. You know, for a certain person to be an elder there are certain requirements here. Titus 2:1 as for you speaketh the things which are proper for sound doctrine.
The older men be sober reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience. The older women likewise. They be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given too much wine, teachers of good things that they amass the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste homemakers, good and obedient to their own husbands that the word of Elohim be not blasphemed. It's a requirement. And so, it's the enemies and adversaries of Yahweh
who are the accusers. It's the enemies and adversaries of Yahweh that are false accusers right? so we gotta make sure we're being directed by Yahweh in some scenarios. And those scenarios have to according to scripture. Yahushua accounted a lot of people who were trying to accuse him. Matthew 12: 10 there was a man who had a weathered hand. They asked him, "is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" that they might accuse him. Matthew 27:12, he was accused by the chief priests and the elders he answered nothing. Luke 11:53 as he said these things to them, the scribes and Pharisees began to assail him vehemently and to cross-examine him about many things. Lying in wait for him, seeking to catch him in something he might say. That they might accuse him. In the end, it was a false accusation of blasphemy that sentenced him to death. It is so important not to falsely accuse. You've got to have your facts straight, never underestimate the power of a false accusation. you know the apostles were also accused. Acts 24 verse 5 saying about Paul; we found this man a plague he created dissension among all the Jews struck the world. A ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes and even tried to profane the temple, and we seized him. We want to judge him according to our law. But the commander Elissias came by with great violence, took him out of our hands. Commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all of the things which we accuse him. So, it's the enemies of Yahweh that spend their time falsely accusing their brethren. It surely should not be one of our character traits.
Instead, we need to be praying for each other. Jeremiah 29 verse 7; seek the peace of the of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive. Pray to Yahweh for it. If it needs peace you will have peace. Right? It's peace you will have peace.
1st Timothy 2:1 through 2; Therefore I urge that first of all supplication, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority. That we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all righteousness and reverence. Now we're gonna be falsely accused by the world, we can come to expect that. That's normal. I mean, if you go in ministry slander just goes with the territory. You just gotta deal with it. It's normal, I mean it's not unusual, expect it. Not that you want people to do it but this kind of
goes with it. And you know for me, I just, I'm like "well 6 trillion years from now who's gonna care what those people think really". Oh, it doesn't matter what they think. They don't hold the record books, Yahweh does. And that's the attitude I think we need to take into these things. And Yeah, I get it. It comes back to me, different things that people say and whatever. Okay. A lot of times there is no way that you can like go back to the person, you know things float around. You don't know who the source is and people hide. People hide the sources. "what's this? I heard this the other day I wanna make ... "You know. They'll come to me, "is this really true?" and I'll say, "No ". And they'll protect the person who's doing the slander that's the sad thing about it. It should be brought out in the open but you know whatever. Yahweh can deal with it and I pray for the person and go from there. Okay, no big deal for me. I mean, I'm used to that. It's a custom, you know, you gotta master so long. At first, it bothers you a lot but then ... So, if you're going into ministry expect it. Because the enemy wants to go against you. But 1st Peter 3:15 says sanctify Yahweh, Elohim in your hearts, always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that sits in you with meekness and fear. Having a good conscience that with your good conduct in messiah they may be ashamed. For it is better it's the will of Elohim to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. Children come to me saying, "this person you know they said this bad thing about me" and what not. And I say, "Well, I can tell you this; that if you live your life and by your conduct, you can show that person is wrong. You can show by your conduct that person is wrong." And I've had happen where people would accuse me of things and you know people that knew me were like, No way it's not Tom, he wouldn't do that. That's not even what he is like." You know. One time I had a lady go "Oh and then Tom just absolutely screamed at me". Oh, people know. I don't just turn around and scream at people that way for something so little. You know, I hardly ever scream at all. I mean, I can't remember the last time I just screamed at the top of my lungs. But people know that's not who I am and by that; it doesn't mean that I can't fail or I can't be weak and I might make a mistake or whatever. Don't get me wrong, I'm nit claiming to be perfect but it's not one of those areas I have you know a major problem with. So, other things I've got problems. If they said something about that I might be, "oh I do have that issue actually, and you need to pray for me on that one." So anyway we want to live our lives in such away what scripture says is when they defame you as evildoers because they are going to; they are gonna be ashamed because you are showing by your conduct that; that can't be true. And no one will believe them and then they look like the bad person or the person who's lying.
1 Peter 2:12 says I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims abstain from fleshly lust which is a war against the soul. Having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles; that when they speak against you evildoers, they may by your good works which they observe and glorify Elohim in the day of trouble. He said "when." In other words, it's going to happen, get used to it. Right? 1st Timothy 5 verse 14 and 15 says, therefore I desire that the younger women widows marry, bear children and manage their house, give them the opportunity for the adversary to speak reproachfully. For some have already turned to side after Satan. So, they are only being the opportunity for the enemy to function in your life at this matter. Right? Titus chapter 1 verses 5 through 8 says; for this reason, I left you in Crete that you should ascertain all the things that are lacking and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you. If a man is blameless, the husband of one wife has been having faithful children, not accused of dissipation or insubordination. For a bishop must be blameless as a steward of Elohim. Not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money. But hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast to faithful word as he has been taught. That he may be able by sound doctrine to exhort and convict those who contradict. For there are many insubordinate but idle talkers and deceivers especially those of the circumcision whose mouths must be stopped. Whose overt whole households by teaching things which they ought not for the sake of dishonest gain. One of them a prophet of their own said, "Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons." This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in faith not giving heed to Jewish fables in commandments of men who turned from the truth. To the pure all things are pure, but those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure. But even their mind and their conscience are defiled. They profess to know Elohim but in works they deny him. Being abominable, disobedient and disqualified for every good work. So notice here it says, "To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure" They have a defiled heart. The root of bitterness. Often the one whose minds are focused on evil is quick to accuse one doing evil.
But we should not be among the false accusers. It is we who have to deal with the false accusers. We certainly don't wanna be like them. Right? We definitely don't wanna be like them. So, rather than respond with a false accusation of our own, we should simply live our lives in such a way our conduct reproves those who accuse us. Daniel chapter 6 verse 3 through 4 says Daniel, distinguished himself above the governors and satraps because the excellence spirit was in him. And the king gave thought to set him over the realm. So the governors and satraps thought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom. But they could find no charge or fault because he was faithful nor was there any err or fault found in him. So if we are falsely accused let it be because we're obedient to Yahweh. Thus that would happen to these men. To Daniel, they accused him falsely and tried to get him put into the lion's den and we all know the story. He was spared, wasn't he? So when we're accused of something, let it be that we're accused and guilty of having followed Yahushua. Matthew 5:11 says blessed are you when they revile Matthew 10:24 says that the disciple is not above and persecute you and you say all kinds evil against his teacher nor is a servant above his master. you falsely for my sake. It's enough for his disciple to be like his Blessed are you, wow. You see the battle lines here? The adversaries wanted to bring reproach upon reproach upon the innocent. He did it with Yahushua, expect it to be done to you as well. We are coming out of the traditions of Christianity. The traditional viewpoints expect the slander that they place. It will happen.
teacher and the servant like his master. Give it time it will happen eventually.
If they call the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those if his household? I mean they call Yahushua names expect it. Expect it. Now, I want to make sure we understand; just the idea of accusing someone in, and of itself, is not inherently evil. In fact, it's a necessary part of judging right and wrong. You just need to be very, very sure that you're on the right side of Yahweh's judgment when you choose to accuse. Because scripture does say, "he who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the just both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh." and so we have
to be accurate in our judgments when we make a determination as to whether a particular kind of conduct is right or wrong. And if we witness it with our own eyes and our own ears and we see what's going. It's okay to make a judgment about what's right and what's wrong. Right? You don't wanna justify one who is doing something wrong and you don't wanna condemn one who's doing nothing wrong. Both are an abomination to Yahweh. The judgment does begin at the house of Elohim. But the question is how is that supposed to be handled? Is it supposed to be handled by telling everybody about it and accusing and spreading all kinds of thing about that person? You know. No, that's not the way to handle it. It's probably because it's very, very, very rarely, What is the right way to handle it? But what does scripture say the right way to handle sin in the body of the messiah is supposed to be? if you don't know.
is it ever practiced. It's this; Matthew 18: 15 moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. Alone. If he hears you, you've gained your brother.
This step right here is so rarely followed. I mean rare.
Because people come to me "well, I think so and so is you know doing this or doing that and it really hurt me that they did that." And I'll ask him, "have you ever gone to them and told them that you know you're offended by that?" "Well no, I wanted to go and get counseled first." What do you need counsel for? It says right here, go and tell him, he is the counsel. Go and tell him. No, I don't need to know about it, unless you tell him and then he doesn't listen to you and don't wanna change. Other than that telling me doesn't help anything. I mean it's actually a disobedience to Yahushua. He said,"go to him alone, but if he will not hear take with you one or two more.
That by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established." If you got yourself when you're going to the person they might not listen to you because they might not like you. But if you can bring someone that you know that person respects and go to him with the other person. Ideally, go to tell him about something that you know. You know you're looking for witnesses to bring with you, try to find someone you know that that person is gonna respect. Because your goal is that they would change. if you're gonna bring someone you know that, that person doesn't respect then you know it may not work out. So bring with you one or two more. And whoever you bring with you, make sure it's someone they will listen to or respect if there is anyone. There are some people who don't respect anybody. But bring with you one or two more. And so that's the directive here, and if they refuse to hear it. Then you can tell everybody in the congregation and the goal is that that person be brought to a place of repentance. You know what? If you follow these steps, you may even find out that you are wrong. You may find out that you misunderstood something.
And that's why you go to them personally first. If you don't go to them you may have this bitterness in your heart that will affect you for years about that person. And it could be all based on a misunderstanding. And quite often offenses between brothers and sisters, between brothers and brothers, between sisters and sisters are based on a misunderstanding.
Now, what about family relationships?
We are warned as men in Colossians 3:19 husbands
love your wives and do not be bitter towards them.
It's like he knew our tendencies. Right? Bitterness a husband holds against his wife for past wrongs will often result in future false suspicions and wrongdoing. And consequently false accusations. Now the reverse can also be true. A wife can be bitter toward her husband and hold things. You know an on-going joke; one time I heard among a particular marriage seminar. You know women got this little briefcase. They pack away all your faults, all your past transgressions and whenever they feel like they are losing an argument they just break out the briefcase. And "remember that time you did this? Remember that time you did that?" And it was all supposed to be a big funny joke. I don't think it's funny, I think its bitterness. You have to let things go. You have to forgive. You can't hold bitterness and men we can't do that either. We cannot be holding bitterness against our wives. We are not supposed to be holding things against other people period. What does scripture say? The model prayer Yahushua gave and we asked that he forgive us of our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Forgive us our debts as we forgive those indebted to us. Right? Now, when someone does spread a report about somebody and don't assume that because lots of people are saying it, it's necessarily true. If someone has a story about someone, that person could tell another person, who tells another person, who tells another person, who tells another person. And these rumors get spread around and that thing may not even true. It may be completely untrue. But because so many people believe it, the assumption is made that it's actually true. And many times I've heard rumors floating around; I will actually go to the person and ask them about it. And I'll find out, it wasn't even true. So, what does scripture say? You shall not circulate a false report. Do not put your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous bitterness. Don't be spreading rumors around that we don't have any facts about whatsoever. And it's often seen in email chains, in Facebook posts. And there are entire websites dedicated to exposing false reports, fake news. Right? Just because everybody else is accusing, you don't follow a crowd to do evil. Nor shall you testify in as dispute so as to turn aside men, to prevent justice. So, beware, keep yourself from any false matter.
Too often the internet is the playground for these things. Keep yourself far from the false matter. Do not kill the innocent, the righteous. I will not justify the wicked; either it's a spiritual matter or a physical one.
When we think evil of another and we really don't know for sure. We're wise to not assume that thought to be true and wiser still not to condemn them. Because we also could be judged with what judgment you judge you will be judged. Right? That's why Yahushua said in verse 3 " why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye but don't consider the plank in your own eye?" You know what I've got enough problems with my sins, my own things I'm trying to deal with. Now, you know trying to pick on somebody else.
We all got our issues. Now does that mean you could never go to one and never say anything to them about anything they are doing? Well, Galatians 6: 1 says you with spirit restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. It's okay to go to them with their issue but go to them personally. And in a loving way, in a gentle way.
And we see these kinds of judgments also in the body of Messiah. "If you don't hold my doctrine you're not saved." "If you don't believe the way I do you're not saved." Denominationalism has the spirit of accusation built in. But the minute you judge someone because of their lack of understanding, you endanger yourself because who knows if you might be ignorant in something else. And you just judged a man for their ignorance. Right? But so the merciful, they will obtain mercy. But far better off not to accuse, nit to think evil of. We must be 100%, 1000% certain. Before we even make a judgment.
And make sure judgments are not being collared by past experiences, by roots of bitterness.
If you find that that person has done wrong, you
shall not hate your brother in your heart.
See the law in not just outward its inward. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor and not bear sin because of him. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor and not bear sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance nor bear any grudge against the children of your people. But you shall live your neighbor as yourself I'm Yahweh. You know Yahushua's words in Matthew 18 solve this whole thing. It's actually based on this whole ... Leviticus 19:17 through 18 you're not gonna hate your brother, you're gonna go to him. And you're gonna rebuke him and not bear sin because of him. You're not going to take vengeance, you're not gonna bear a grudge you're going to love him. Love him. Brethren James 5:19 if anyone among you wanders
from the truth and someone turns him back let him know. He who turns a sinner from their error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.
As I said, if a man has ever taken any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in spirit gentleness concerning yourself lest you also be tempted. See, you got that person with an arrogant attitude, Yahweh may just go, and "I've been protecting you from that temptation son. But since you judged that man so harshly. I'm gonna withdraw my protection and see how well you do." You find out you may not do any better than he did, you may do worse with the same temptation. It may be 20 years later and maybe two weeks later and you realize how hard it is. And don't be so harsh and so judgemental. You may find out you don't have the correct information and then you come to him with hardy spirit. You find out you were completely wrong, you misunderstood something. What's scripture say, Proverbs 18: 17 the first one to plead his cause seems right until his neighbor comes and examines him. Right? The first story always sounds right. So, therefore, the servant of Yahweh must not
quarrel. No fighting, no arguing, no conflict. But be gentle to all. Able to teach, patient and humility in correcting those who are in opposition. If Elohim perhaps will grant them repentance. So that they may know the truth and they may come to their senses. And escape the snare of the devil. Having been taken captive by him to do his will.
This scripture right here is so important.
we need to do the same for our children, for our wives, for anyone, any family member, brothers and sisters, anyone of the faith be gentle to all and
humility. Look I've got overcoming to do; we all got overcoming to do. The last thing we need is to tear each other down over our weaknesses.
Instead, let's get underneath them and bear them up. James 3:13 who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show by good conduct, whose works are done and the meekness of wisdom.
When we're meek we won't be so quick to wrongly judge. We aren't so quick to judge another. We ourselves are spared from judgment. And I'm quite sure we're all gonna need all the mercy we can get on the day of judgment, right?
The last thing we need is snap judgments based on false pretenses, phony spiritual discernment. Whenever someone says they have spiritual discernment, I say "well, wait and see maybe they do". But a lot of times it's just bitterness. Let's make sure our judgments are not based on false witnesses and evil thoughts and past experiences, assuming that person is doing what someone did to you however long ago it was. Now let's cease from the false accusations based on mere suspicions and spiritual pride. Lest we find ourselves imitating the father of lies. Let's cease from falsely accusing a person based on past experiences because every person is different.
Instead, let's intercede and plead the cause of the one who is being accused and pray for the person. And let's seek to make diligent inquiry before we assume anything. Let's imitate the one who is the truth and forever seek the truth in every matter. Resisting every false thought, every false thought and the one who would inspire them. Let's pray; Heavenly father Yahweh, Kadosh be
your great name. Father forgive all of us we pray.
we know yours is the kingdom of power and glory. We desire wilt be done on the earth in our own lives. Father forgive us if we failed in any of these areas in which I have read from your word today.
Father strengthen us in the weakness that we have this over-attention to the faults of others hopeless
to see our own faults. And humbly by the power of Yahushua in us overcome them. Give us the boldness to reproach someone when we think they are doing something wrong and we feel that you are calling us to say something to them. And let's be gentle father, teach us to be gentle especially with new believers who are just trying to find their way into this walk who needs a lot to learn a lot to do. And you're patient; help us to be patient also.
Thank you for being patient with us. Truly your gentleness has resulted in our growth and for that we are thankful. Help us to be overcomers, help us to be patient with each other, long-suffering and be manifesting the
gentleness that you desire us to manifest. For truly yours is the kingdom of power and
glory.
an appreciation for the things that are spoken of in the Torah, the law of Yahweh. It's quite possible, you may have a little bit of, I don't know, things that are ... because of the emphasis placed sometimes on the blessing of Yahweh's law and the Sabbath and these things which we love very much. The lifestyle he is giving us is a wonderful lifestyle. Sometimes, we miss the weightier matters if we are not careful. Yahushua, talked about that in, Matthew 23:23, the weightier matters being; justice, mercy, and faith. So, we live in a society where everything is instant. If you want to know what's going on on the other side of the world, you just click a few buttons on your mouse or on your smartphone and there it is. If you want to know what the weather is, almost anything you could possibly ever want to know. You've got the tree of knowledge of good and evil right here on these little smartphones or on your computers. want to know the knowledge of what's good obviously. But we have this instant mentality, we think it has to happen now. And with that comes a tendency to wanna be quick to judge, quick to make a discernment about
someone's character and with that comes a danger of bearing false witness or thinking evil thoughts about someone and the with that comes slander. So, it's an important matter, it's important enough to be included in the Ten Commandments actually we are going to be sharing. So I wanna talk today about the topic of
slander, accusations and bearing false witness. Most of us when we think of bearing false witness, we might think about, are we just telling a lie? Or slander might be, "as long as it's true it's not
slander." That's what a lot of people tend to think. But this is not accurate; at least bearing false witness is usually aligned. There is actually a more narrow meaning intended when we actually look into this commandment. In Exodus chapter 20 verse 16 it says, you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. What does that mean, to bear false witness? What does that mean? hat's a witness? A witness is someone who saw something or experienced something right? And so, they are sharing what was seen or what was evident to them. So, if it's a false witness, that would mean they are telling a lie about something they saw or something they heard. As a specific example of a false witness in scripture
here in Deuteronomy chapter 19 verse 16, it says, if a false witness rises against any man to testify against him of wrongdoing, then both men in the controversy shall stand before Yahweh, before the priests and the judges who serve in those days. And the judges shall make careful inquiry and indeed if the witness is a false witness who has testified falsely against his brother, then you shall do to him as he thought to have done to his brother. So you shall put away the evil from among you.
And those who remain shall hear and fear, and hereafter they shall... pardon me. not again commit evil among you. Your eye shall not pity, life shall be for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. So, to bear false witness against your neighbor is basically to falsely accuse someone of wrong doing.
In this case, false witnesses who testified falsely against another person saying they did something wrong they would be given the punishment that they thought to have gotten or the man who was wrongly accused would've thought to have gotten, he would've gotten it. So, the very trap he sought to entrap another, that false witness will fall into that trap.
So, it was a very, very serious matter in Israel for one to bear false witness. And I tell you if we had that kind of controversy, that kind of principle in the American criminal justice system, where if judge inquiry was made and it could be proven the witness was a false witness that they would be given the same punishment as they thought to give to the other person. Then I tell you what? There'd be a lot less lying in the courtrooms. But sadly that's not the way the system is set up. So, now notice the judges were required to make what he said was, "careful inquiry" diligent, careful inquiry before making a judgment. We see this in other instances as well. In Deuteronomy chapter 13 it says if you hear someone in one of your cities, which Yahweh your mighty one gives you to dwell in saying; corrupt men have gone out from among you and enticed the inhabitants of the city saying let's go and serve other mighty ones which you have not known. Then you shall inquire, search out, ask diligently and if it is indeed true that such an abomination was committed among you, you shall surely strike the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword utterly destroying it, all that is in it and it's livestock with the edge of the sword. another place in Deuteronomy chapter 17 verse 2, if there is found among you within you gates which Yahweh your mighty one gives you, a man or a woman who has been wicked in the sight of Yahweh your mighty one and transgressing his covenant. Who has gone and served other mighty ones and worshiped them either the sun or moon of the host of heaven which I have not commanded. And it is told you and you hear of it then you shall... hat? inquire diligently and if it is indeed true and
certain that such an abomination has been committed and is real. Then you shall bring out to your gates that man or woman who has committed that wicked thing and you shall stone to death that man or woman with stones. And so, we see here the importance of making diligent inquiry, diligent inquiry before judging
that someone has done wrong or done evil. And while it's true the context of these cases would be a code of law it's also true that judgment begins at the household of Yahweh. 1st Peter 4:17, for the time has come for judgment to begin at the household. The household of Elohim right? 1 Corinthians 6 verse 2 says, do you not know the
saints will judge the world and if the world is judged by you are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? So, the principles of judgment are the same. Yahweh's will concerning the judgment of matters is a consistent, diligent inquiry before any sort of
judgment is made against another, before being a witness against another person. If this is not done and a false witness speaks in the Torah, there were very dangerous consequences. It's agreed, they said, " in the eyes of Yahweh and Yahweh is not pleased" But I've noticed so often, so, so often I have seen where people even in the body Messiah are very quick to judge the character of another person with hardly any inquiry at all.
And so often I have seen quick, snap judgments, accusations, "another person is this or they've done something wrong here or this is what kind of person they are". When really the person has done nothing at all. and indeed so soften I have seen one person assassinate the character or reputation of another person based on suspicions in thorny, thorny spiritual discernment. When in reality it is an unclean spirit bringing these things to their mind. And what's more, such accusations are often done privately and without the other person's knowledge.
I will be bold here, among the very bold and say freely and bluntly that anyone practicing these things is bearing false witness and is actually imitating the devil.
In fact they Greek word from which we get the term, "devil', the Greek word is "diabolos". You know what diabolos means in Greek? It means accuser. In Luke chapter 16 verse 1 it says, Yahushua told his
disciples," there was a certain rich man who had a steward and a diabolos, an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. So he called him and said what this I hear about you is?" Give an account of your stewardship for you can no longer be a steward. so the word there is translated as diabolos 12:25 in the Greek text. Luke 12:25, where we get the term "devil".
Now like the context of that verse you know offer a good definition, we see it just means accused. Devil simply means to accuse, diabolos simply means to accuse. Now, why is Satan called the accuser? Why is that? Revelation 12 verse 9, so the great dragon was cast out that serpent of old called the devil and Satan. Who deceives the whole world he was cast to the earth and his angels were cast out with him. That I heard a loud voice saying in heaven now, "salvation, strength and the kingdom of our Elohim and the power of his Messiah have come. For the accuser of our brethren, the accuser of our brethren who accused them before Elohim day and
night has been cast down. He accused us before Elohim nonstop and they
overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony and they did not love their lives to the death." Now some of them accusations may have been true, some of them may have not been true. But we see that is the character trait of the enemy, of Satan. To accuse to, be an accuser, always finger pointing. And the word diabolos is a Septuagint translation of the Hebrew word, "Satan" which means adversary, Satan meaning adversary. So, the Greek translation of the Old Testament goes back to like 200 BC or 300 BC. so, you are talking about an old translation, but from the beginning, a predominant characteristic of Satan is indeed the role of an accuser. Go back to the book of Genesis chapter 3 verse 1 it says, the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which Yahweh Elohim had made. And he said to the woman, " As Elohim's mandate said, you shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" And the woman said to the serpent, "we may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden. Elohim has said, you shall not eat nor shall you touch it, lest you die. Verse 4, then the serpent said to the woman, " you will not surely die". There is the first lie in the bible right there and the first accusation. "For Elohim knows in the day that you eat it, and your eyes will be opened and you will be like Elohim knowing good and evil." now, what he said was actually true. However, the underlying, subtle right? Cunning, subtle accusation was that Elohim didn't want Adam and Eve to be a great one of his own position. And so he was withholding something good from Eve and From Adam. So, that was the subtle implication and therefore accusation. So, even in subtlety, we can be imitating the adversary. In Job chapter verse 8, Yahweh says to Satan, " have you considered my servant Job? That there is none like him on the earth; blameless and upright man, one who fears Elohim and shuns evil." So Satan answered Yahweh and said, "Does Job fear Elohim for nothing? Have you not made a hedge around him, around his household, around all that he has? On every side, you have blessed the work of his hands and his possessions have increased in the land, but now stretch out your hand and touch all he has and he will surely curse you to your face." accusations, accusing the saints before Yahweh,
night and day, day and night. But then when Job did not curse Yahweh as the adversary had predicted, something else happened. Chapter 2 verse 3 Yahweh said to Satan, 'have you considered my servant Job? There is none like him on the earth; a blameless and upright man, one who fears Elohim and shuns evil. And still, he holds fast to his integrity although you incited me against him, to destroy him without cause." So, Satan answered Yahweh and said, "Skin for skin, yes all of the man has, he will give for his life. But now stretch out your hand now and touch his bone and his flesh and he will surely curse you to your face." So, the adversary once again made the accusation that Job would curse Yahweh to his face if Yahweh permitted bad things to happen to him. So, we see some consistency here in the spirit of the adversary, in the spirit of false accusations. If you continue reading the book of Job, you will see the same spirit later influenced Jobs three quote, "friends" to accuse him of wrongdoing continuously. They tried to say, "Yahweh is punishing you for your sins" and all these things. I got a long list of things that they accused him of. But then later, Yahweh rebuked these three so called friends. Job 42 verse 7, so was after Yahweh had spoken these words to Job, Yahweh said to Eliphaz the Temanite, " my wrath is aroused against you and your two friends for you have not spoken of me what is right as my servant Job has. Now, therefore, take for yourselves seven bulls and rams, go to my servant Job and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering and my servant Job shall pray for you for I will accept him lest I deal with you according to your folly. Because you have not spoken of me what is right as my servant Job has." So, it's very important we're not being influenced by the same spirit in any way. Actually, when you go back to the book of Job you'll find that a spirit passed before the face of one of the friends and the hairs on the back of his neck and said, " if he charges angels with fall, how much more those who dwell in houses of clay?" And so the enemy actually planted that thought in their hearts. It was an unclean spirit. Rather than being like the adversary, Satan the devil, the accuser, why don't you be like Yahushua? We know Yahushua came to this earth and he was often accused, but he never falsely accused anyone. He was extremely patient, he knew the hearts of men, he knew the things that were going on. But he was very patient and very loving and very understanding. In Mark 15 verse 19 where they are accusing him, it says, again and again, they struck him on the head with a reed and spat on him. And bowed their knees and they worshiped him. And when they had mocked him, they took the purple robe off of him and put his own clothes on him. And then amount to crucify him. You know of all they had done to him, one would think that he had every reason in the world to stand at that moment and say, " you all are wicked, you're evil. You're accusing me of all these things". And he would've been right to actually accuse them back. But he being wise, being understanding and being
full of compassion. Here is his response Luke 23:33, when they came to the place called Calvary there they crucified him and the criminals. One the right hand, one other on the left. And Yahushua said, " father forgive them for they do not know what they do." Perfect opportunity for him to say, "father kill them, father they're evil". No father forgive them. Brothers we have to seek the wisdom, the understanding, the truth of Yahweh before we set out to accuse someone of something to malign their character. To say that they are doing something that they shouldn't do. If Yahushua lacked Yahweh's wisdom it would've been easy for him to judge their motives as being purely evil and wrong. But he understood, they simply didn't know what they were doing. Even when a person does something wrong, we should seek Yahweh's wisdom to understand where mercy comes in. Yahushua prayed and they were .... because they were ignorantly doing evil. And often the case, when a person does something wrong and people accused him and run them down.
They may not realize they are doing the wrong thing. And too often, when a person is being accused by
others and their slanderous word you know it's done secretly.
Very common the practice of tale bearing today, tale bearing and slander are so common, so automatic, so entranced the way people are brought up and the way society is today. And sometimes we don't realize how grievous it is and how damaging it is. To people and how much Yahweh so greatly despises it. And slander actually harms three people; did you hear
that? Every time slander is spoken or tale-bearing is spoken or someone speaking negatively about someone else, it harms three people. The first one obviously; the person whom it's about
and Proverbs 11:9, "the hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge, the righteous will be delivered". It also says the hypocrite, because you know what? The old saying, "one finger pointed out, three fingers are pointing back" correct? So, we all have our faults right?
But through knowledge, the righteous will be delivered. So, the weapon used by those who slander is the tongue, the tongue is a sharp, cutting razor. Psalms 52 verse 1 through 5 says, why do you boast of evil, oh mighty man? The goodness of Elohim endures continually. Your tongue devises destruction like a sharp razor working deceitfully. You love evil more than good, lying rather than speaking righteousness. You love all devouring words, you deceitful tongue. Elohim shall likewise destroy you forever. He shall take you away and pluck you out of your drawing place and uproot you from the land of the living. Psalm 140 in verse 1 through 4 says, deliver me oh Yahweh from evil men preserve me from violent men. Who plan evil things in their hearts, they continually gather together for war. They sharpen their tongues like a serpent the poison of asps is under their lips. Selah. Keep me oh Yahweh from the hands of the wicked, preserve me from violent men who have purpose to make my steps stumble. David calls them violent men, their violent tongue results in violent slander of one's character, one's reputation. Psalm 140 verse 11 says, let not a slanderer be established in the earth, let evil hunt the violent man to overthrow him. You know all the time that Saul was hunting down David trying to kill him. Much of it was because his advisors would slander David and bear false witness against him. And 1st Samuel chapter 24 verse 8 says, David also rose afterward and went out of the cave and called to Saul saying, " my master the king!" and when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth and bowed down. And David said to Saul, " why do you listen to the words of men who say' indeed David seeks your harm'? Look this day you have seen that Yahweh delivered to today into my hands in the cave. And someone urged me to kill you, but my eyes spared you. And I said, 'I will not stretch out my hand against my master for he is Yahweh's anointed'." See when a man hates another man his conscience may not permit him to actually murder the person, go ahead. So instead he seeks to destroy him with the mouth. The difference is that murder destroys the body, but tale bearing destroys the person while they are alive. It's a living destruction, it's an emotional destruction. There is a murderous spirit behind the tale-bearing that sows seeds of rejection between the one who is being slandered about and the one who is hearing the slander.
The murderous spirit behind tale-bearing is seen in the way Yahweh inspired this particular commandment to be written. It says Leviticus 19:16, you shall not go about as a talebearer among your people nor shall you... What? Take a stand against the life of your neighbor. I am Yahweh. What's our life? our life consists of working and relationships
and fellowship and love between humankind. If someone can come and create a slander against the one person what happens? There is two people who are formerly at peace with each other, now there is a tearing apart, a division, a separation. Where this person over here he is not what I thought he was. He, according to my friend over here, he is this. So, you're actually taking a stand against his life
because what your life consists of loving and relationships and all these things that we enjoy as human beings. So this tale bearing destroys lives, wounding the other person sometimes irreparably because the harm done to someone through tale-bearing is not just something that could be easily repaired. It can be a permanent way of harming another person. So, tale bearing harms three people, slander harms three people. It also harms the person who is saying the slander; did you know that? If you slander another person you're hurting yourself. How are you hurting yourself when you speak evil of another person? Do you recall what Yahushua said in Matthew chapter 5 verse 21 through 22? He said, "you've heard it said to those who were of old. Those of old you shall not murder and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you that was even angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother 'Raca' " Which is an insultive term. "Shall be in danger of the council. Whoever says, 'you fool!' , shall be in danger of Gehenna." To call someone names, name calling, anger are both inspired by the spirit of murder.
1st John 3 verse 15 says whoever hates his brother is a murderer and you know; no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. It is such a serious, serious matter.
You've got to pay attention. So, whoever speaks the slanderous accusation is in endangering themselves. As they are operating in the spirit of murder.
James chapter 5 verse 9 says, do not grumble against one another brother lest you be condemned. You'll be condemned just by grumbling against one another. Behold the judge is standing at the door. Those who grumble about other people are placing themselves possibly under condemnation. I mean it's that serious to Yahweh. James chapter 3 verse 3 to 6 says, indeed we put bits in the horse's mouth that they may obey us and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships, although they are so large and driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so, the tongue is a little member and boats great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles. And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is a seed among members that defiles the whole body. And sets on fire the course of nature and is set on fire by Gehenna or hell.
For every kind of beast and bird and reptile and creature of the sea has been tamed by mankind but no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Elohim and father and with it, we curse men who have been made in the similarity of Elohim. Out of the same mouth precedes blessings and curses. My brethren these things ought not be so. does a spring set forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree my brethren bear olives or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh. So, you know those who are grumbling, complaining, speaking evil of others are submitting to the evil tongue Lashon Hara. In Hebrew which is a word for iniquity. It sets on fire the course of nature the Greek word it's a wheel of motion. You send out the things which would defiling tongue actually swings back around on yourself.
So, out goes the slander and the wheel comes right back around. So, and the evil tongue is set on fire by Gehenna, finds its origin there.
For the spirit that brings man's destruction upon himself is the spirit which finds the lake of fire to be its final resting place.
spirit of falsehood and slander and blasphemy and pollution seems to aspire the tongue defiling the whole body and many become defiled by it. But from where it comes, the slanderous tongue. From where comes evil speaking?
It comes from the heart. How the heart the mouth speaks. That's why you can't tame the tongue. Because out of the mouth, the mouth will speak. The only way you can possibly have a tongue under control is if the heart is clean. But the problem is there is roots of bitterness growing up inside the hearts of many. Pursue peace with all people and holiness scripture says. Hebrews 12: 14 to 15 says pursue peace with all, without which no one will see Yahweh his holiness. Looking carefully, carefully lest anyone falls short of the grace of Elohim. Lest roots, any root of bitterness bringing up cause trouble and by this many become defiled.
So, the slanderous tongue actually harms the person speaking it.
There is another person that it harms also, the person listening to it. That's because those who listen to slander are tempted to wrongly think the evil of this other person. That brings the temptation in their heart.
Ever had this? I mean you'll be thinking someone is a wonderful person and then someone comes along and says some kind of thing about them? And even though you never really completely receive what's being said about them, you are never the same. The heart is always wondering; is that really true what that person said? And you might be looking for the evidence that the thing might be true and the sad thing is; it takes a whole lot less evidence to convince you. ou don't have to do diligent inquiry anymore if your heart has already been defiled by the evil speaking. It might just take a little bit of evidence to beg the guy is probably right about him or about her. Do you see the danger? It harms you too, you who listen. If you listen to it will harm you because you will always wonder. "What if it's true?" The sad thing is that's what happens. And if you enjoy it's even worse.
Proverbs 18:8 says the words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles and they go down into the innermost body.
And then the Proverbs repeated in Proverbs 16:26, 22 the words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles and they go down into the innermost body.
Whenever a proverb or prescripts repeats it twice, I think that Yahweh is allowing that in there to teach us it's particularly important. And we would do well to pay special attention. Now the word translated tasty trifles is from the Hebrew word, "Laham" which means to gulp, to swallow greedily, and to be gulped. so, the one being harmed is the one hearing it, that's
because those who listen to slander are tempted to think wrongly of the other person and not be at peace with them. And perhaps their heart will also be defiled. So, we gotta be aware of what's going on, we've got
to be aware. We have to realize what's happening, we are being warned to pursue peace with all. Because one word of slander about another person and you are never the same again most of the time. Before you had no reason to think negatively of the person or reject the person, but no with time you are looking like, "I wonder do you see the problem?" And so the only way you stop slander is to
confront it. Confront it, but here is the problem; the one who spoke evil of the other person there can be a temptation of pride in your own heart. You don't want to confront the person who just slandered the other person because you are afraid that you yourself will be slandered. And therefore you are not wanting to lay down your life for your brother. And say, "You know I think it's wrong to speak
negatively of other persons like that. I think it's wrong and if they heard you they will probably be very hurt that you said this thing about them." We have to be bold and lay down our life for our brother even if that might be true. Even if that might be true. We don't want the root of bitterness to have any place lest roots become plants that bear fruit and the fruit becomes the seed that will fuel other. And your heart can defile others as well. These trifles which are tasty to the flesh create division, discord, and bitterness between two people who would otherwise be at peace. scripture says blessings are on the head of the righteous but the violence covers the mouth of the wicked. A person choosing to slander may not be physically violent for this tongue is pouring out violence. Then we'll understand the importance of names and we do, I think understand the importance of names. Right? We understand that a good name is better to be chosen than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold. And so if this is true, then when we're are taking
from someone's good name otherwise good name. And we're taking from them, we're stealing; we're stealing something from them that they had before, a good name. And that's even more important than riches. In the court of law, a talebearer could be a false witness. They can ultimately result and they themselves obtain the death penalty. In the court of public record though is saying the fact of death is actually created because death is a permanent separation between the dead person and anyone else, right? Slander also creates separation, so that people will avoid the one who is being spoken evil of because they assume it's true. And they want nothing to do with the other person and therefore there is separation. And that's why it's a spirit of murder. Those who slander others are automatically playing the hypocrite because, I mean really, who is perfect? And that's why it says, the hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor. So next time you consider repeating something that may be harmful to the other person think about that. Remember the dangers of this. Because we are participating in something that Yahweh calls "an abomination".
Sixth thing Yahweh hates your seven abominations in proverbs 16; a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies and one who sows discord among brethren. it's an abomination. And slander destroys people, those with proud looks and lying tongues, devise wicked plans that are swiftly carried out, to bear false witness and sow discord. Are all abominations to Yahweh. Psalm 101 verses 5 says; whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy. Wow, I remember the first time I read this scripture; I was floored. I'm absolutely floored. Secretly slandering him, wow, I hear it all the
time. And pride often goes hand in hand see the one that has a haughty look, and a proud heart him I will not endure. That's the price associated with the slander because often it made you reason behind such things is to feed one's own pride by putting another person down. See, if you are able to successfully slander somebody else that causes you to seem so distant from that offense.
And so you lift yourself up, "well, I'm not like these other men, I'm not like these others." And many will seek to peer down at another person and make judgments about them real or imagined. So they themselves might seem to be above them and better than them. There are people that's a part of reputation. It's a part of their normal personality, is to find some fault with everyone that they are in contact with. And whisper about them to others. But you know, remember this, if you talk about someone else they are probably talking about you too.
Remember that. I found that to be very true. In Philippians chapter 2 verses 3 it says; let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit. But in lowliness of mind, let each man esteem others better than themselves. That's what we need to be. "Oh, yeah that person is a lot better than I am." "Yeah, I think he's a pretty awesome brother."
Awesome sister over there. I've got things to learn from them." That's humility; the opposite is conceit which is pride and selfish ambitions.
False accusers are among the evil traits of those who we find in the last days. 2nd Timothy 3 verse 1 through 5 says, but know this; in the last days, Palestine's will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemous, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanders without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, hardy, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of Elohim, having a form of righteousness but denying its power and from such people turn away. Talking of those who are claiming to be believers. We certainly do not want to have any of these characteristics this including being a slanderer. These are characteristics of evil not good. We must realize the importance of not being a slanderer a false accuser. And not even speaking evil of one another. James 4 verse 11 through 12; do not speak evil of one another brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you're not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver who is able to save and to destroy you or you to judge another.
Why is it that the one who speaks evil of another speaks evil of the law and the Torah? Well, when a person speaks slander to his brother in whom Yahushua the living law, the living Torah dwells, the living word that made flesh and dwelt among us dwells. He slanders the law, and that Yahushua himself damaging the body of Messiah.
In as much as we have done to the of these my brethren; Yahushua said, "You've done it unto me". You're destroying the body of messiah when you choose to speak evil of one of its members. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Don't destroy your brother with your mouth. Even if you think it's true, even if you're sure it's true. That's not the time or the place or the manner in which these things should be dealt with.
Now, how does Yahweh being a lawgiver prove James' point? When a person murders another person physically he is usurping Yahweh's authority as the one who decides the death of the other person right? Yahweh knows we're gonna die it's his decision when we die. When we murder spiritually, verbally; we're usurping Yahweh's authority as a lawgiver. We set ourselves up as a judge who is able to save and to destroy. And so rather than being a doer of the law, we'd become a judge. Taking over the position of a lawgiver who is able to save and who is able to destroy. And so you create your own sets of rules and your own sets of judgments one that Yahweh actually condemns in the law. Tale-bearing is forbidden in the law. To say you set up your own law. And so Yahweh has said, well you'd be judged by your own words then. Because most of the time the very thing the one thing that is actually being of the other person doing wrong, the very person that's accusing is often guilty of the same thing or something similar to it. And that's why they see it so clearly. If a brother stands and you speak evil of him and you slander him, then you become guilty of sinning because the law commands we do not slander, we do not tale bear. Yahweh will then judge us by the same judgment we judged and that's what we need to avoid entirely. Right? Judge not, that you be not judged. What judgment you judge you will be judged, with the measure you use will be measured back to you.
Luke 6:37; judge, not you shall not be judged. Condemn not, you shall not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.
James 5:9; do not grumble against one another brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold the judge is standing at the door. So, all we gotta do to speak evil of someone is by grumbling or calling someone a senseless man or a fool. Then we are in danger of being judged. Torah says; you shall not go about as a talebearer among your people. The word tale bear is "rakil'. A slanderer, slanderer, a talebearer, informer and actually the word it's written in a way it means to go about. Traveling about, you see this word here.
It's like a merchant you see it's better than this word "rakal'. To go about, a traitor a trafficker. A tale-bearer is like a merchant in that the talebearer will go from one person to another. But his wares which he is selling is his stories which malign the reputation of other people. And those who buy into his stories are the purchaser of the stolen goods. Don't buy into these stories. It's stolen goods because it takes away the otherwise good name of the victims. What scripture says is; you shall not steal. What scripture says is; a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches. See it all ties in together. And say if you're stealing from someone's good name if you're causing someone who otherwise would have a good name and causing others to think negatively of that person. You are violating the Torah. You are violating Yahweh's word. You're in sin. It's better to have a good name than great riches and you're stealing from their good name. Now, most of us are not going to step into someone's house and steal their belongings. And so we think that we are keeping that commandment just fine and not steal. But we can take their good name away from them. That's even worse than taking their possessions. If you stole their money that could be replaced. You steal their good name it's not so easily replaced. Stigma will follow them and harass them, sometimes for the rest of their lives. I know there was a story of a leader, a religious leader. And he was being slandered by someone in the
community. The one who was slandering their religious leader said, "I just realized I'm completely wrong about this man. I completely misunderstood." He felt really, really bad and so he went to the religious leader and he said, " I apologize, is there anything I can do to make it up to you?" and the man says, " go get a goose feather pillow and
unzip it and then go up to the top of the hill or say next to the city here. And on a windy day just blow all the feathers out of the pillow." "Oh okay.' So, the man went home and he got a goose feather pillow and it was a windy day already. So he went up atop a hill and he opened it up and let all the feathers fly off into the wind.
So, he went back to the religious leader and he said, 'well I've done what you asked me to do". And he says, "Okay. Now go back and get all those feathers and put them back into the pillow" The man said, "that's impossible". He says, "It is impossible for you to make it up to me but I will forgive you. But the damage is done." And that's what happens. One person tells another, who tells another, who tells another and you have no idea where it goes.
So be careful what you say. It can do a tremendous amount of damage. You know what? I think this sis common even in ministries. They will accuse the president; they'll accuse
government leaders of being evil. And they think that's okay. And in politicians, they accuse one another of things that aren't even true, but they slander one another in order to gain advantage and win the race. Who can sling the most mud on the other person? They call it mudslinging. And they consider it normal. And there are ministries providing so-called cutting-edge information on what's truly going on behind the scenes and they slander the government. They slander the government leaders, they claim these world leaders are planning to do this, and they are planning that. You know every single presidency I've seen where so-called cutting edge websites that are in the know about so-called conspiracies. They say, I remember back in the 90's "Bill Clinton will never give up his presidency, he will a call martial law". Said the same thing about George Bush, "no he will not give up his presidency, he will call a martial law. They said the same thing about Barack Obama, "he will not give up his presidency, and he will call a martial law". It's like you just slandered the man. Don't you realize you're tale-bearing? A lot of times all these claims are just a bunch of could be's and maybe's and possibilities, accusations that are made. No diligent inquiry can be done really. You're not in the rooms where they have their meetings and they speak and you don't know what's really going on at the white house every day.
Do we really know? Can they really prove anything? See, we gotta be a people who are diligent. Who do diligent inquiry. If we are Torah keepers, we're willing to keep Yahweh's word. We need to be those doing diligent inquiry before we raise up an accusation against anyone. And even if we do have an accusation against them; does that mean we have to say it? We end up damaging their character. he way you deal with it, is you deal with the person directly.
And too often, when it comes to these so-called ministries and website and things like that. They quickly malign the character of different people who are not their political persuasion. We're not called to be spending our time doing all that. Where in the New Testament that talks so terribly about Caesar. Now, Caesar was you know an idol worshipper. And instead it says pray for the leaders. It says to pray for them. That's what we need to do. Don't slander, just pray. And sometimes even those in leadership will do
this. And that's when it's most disturbing. You know, for a certain person to be an elder there are certain requirements here. Titus 2:1 as for you speaketh the things which are proper for sound doctrine.
The older men be sober reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience. The older women likewise. They be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given too much wine, teachers of good things that they amass the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste homemakers, good and obedient to their own husbands that the word of Elohim be not blasphemed. It's a requirement. And so, it's the enemies and adversaries of Yahweh
who are the accusers. It's the enemies and adversaries of Yahweh that are false accusers right? so we gotta make sure we're being directed by Yahweh in some scenarios. And those scenarios have to according to scripture. Yahushua accounted a lot of people who were trying to accuse him. Matthew 12: 10 there was a man who had a weathered hand. They asked him, "is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" that they might accuse him. Matthew 27:12, he was accused by the chief priests and the elders he answered nothing. Luke 11:53 as he said these things to them, the scribes and Pharisees began to assail him vehemently and to cross-examine him about many things. Lying in wait for him, seeking to catch him in something he might say. That they might accuse him. In the end, it was a false accusation of blasphemy that sentenced him to death. It is so important not to falsely accuse. You've got to have your facts straight, never underestimate the power of a false accusation. you know the apostles were also accused. Acts 24 verse 5 saying about Paul; we found this man a plague he created dissension among all the Jews struck the world. A ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes and even tried to profane the temple, and we seized him. We want to judge him according to our law. But the commander Elissias came by with great violence, took him out of our hands. Commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all of the things which we accuse him. So, it's the enemies of Yahweh that spend their time falsely accusing their brethren. It surely should not be one of our character traits.
Instead, we need to be praying for each other. Jeremiah 29 verse 7; seek the peace of the of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive. Pray to Yahweh for it. If it needs peace you will have peace. Right? It's peace you will have peace.
1st Timothy 2:1 through 2; Therefore I urge that first of all supplication, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority. That we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all righteousness and reverence. Now we're gonna be falsely accused by the world, we can come to expect that. That's normal. I mean, if you go in ministry slander just goes with the territory. You just gotta deal with it. It's normal, I mean it's not unusual, expect it. Not that you want people to do it but this kind of
goes with it. And you know for me, I just, I'm like "well 6 trillion years from now who's gonna care what those people think really". Oh, it doesn't matter what they think. They don't hold the record books, Yahweh does. And that's the attitude I think we need to take into these things. And Yeah, I get it. It comes back to me, different things that people say and whatever. Okay. A lot of times there is no way that you can like go back to the person, you know things float around. You don't know who the source is and people hide. People hide the sources. "what's this? I heard this the other day I wanna make ... "You know. They'll come to me, "is this really true?" and I'll say, "No ". And they'll protect the person who's doing the slander that's the sad thing about it. It should be brought out in the open but you know whatever. Yahweh can deal with it and I pray for the person and go from there. Okay, no big deal for me. I mean, I'm used to that. It's a custom, you know, you gotta master so long. At first, it bothers you a lot but then ... So, if you're going into ministry expect it. Because the enemy wants to go against you. But 1st Peter 3:15 says sanctify Yahweh, Elohim in your hearts, always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that sits in you with meekness and fear. Having a good conscience that with your good conduct in messiah they may be ashamed. For it is better it's the will of Elohim to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. Children come to me saying, "this person you know they said this bad thing about me" and what not. And I say, "Well, I can tell you this; that if you live your life and by your conduct, you can show that person is wrong. You can show by your conduct that person is wrong." And I've had happen where people would accuse me of things and you know people that knew me were like, No way it's not Tom, he wouldn't do that. That's not even what he is like." You know. One time I had a lady go "Oh and then Tom just absolutely screamed at me". Oh, people know. I don't just turn around and scream at people that way for something so little. You know, I hardly ever scream at all. I mean, I can't remember the last time I just screamed at the top of my lungs. But people know that's not who I am and by that; it doesn't mean that I can't fail or I can't be weak and I might make a mistake or whatever. Don't get me wrong, I'm nit claiming to be perfect but it's not one of those areas I have you know a major problem with. So, other things I've got problems. If they said something about that I might be, "oh I do have that issue actually, and you need to pray for me on that one." So anyway we want to live our lives in such away what scripture says is when they defame you as evildoers because they are going to; they are gonna be ashamed because you are showing by your conduct that; that can't be true. And no one will believe them and then they look like the bad person or the person who's lying.
1 Peter 2:12 says I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims abstain from fleshly lust which is a war against the soul. Having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles; that when they speak against you evildoers, they may by your good works which they observe and glorify Elohim in the day of trouble. He said "when." In other words, it's going to happen, get used to it. Right? 1st Timothy 5 verse 14 and 15 says, therefore I desire that the younger women widows marry, bear children and manage their house, give them the opportunity for the adversary to speak reproachfully. For some have already turned to side after Satan. So, they are only being the opportunity for the enemy to function in your life at this matter. Right? Titus chapter 1 verses 5 through 8 says; for this reason, I left you in Crete that you should ascertain all the things that are lacking and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you. If a man is blameless, the husband of one wife has been having faithful children, not accused of dissipation or insubordination. For a bishop must be blameless as a steward of Elohim. Not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money. But hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast to faithful word as he has been taught. That he may be able by sound doctrine to exhort and convict those who contradict. For there are many insubordinate but idle talkers and deceivers especially those of the circumcision whose mouths must be stopped. Whose overt whole households by teaching things which they ought not for the sake of dishonest gain. One of them a prophet of their own said, "Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons." This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in faith not giving heed to Jewish fables in commandments of men who turned from the truth. To the pure all things are pure, but those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure. But even their mind and their conscience are defiled. They profess to know Elohim but in works they deny him. Being abominable, disobedient and disqualified for every good work. So notice here it says, "To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure" They have a defiled heart. The root of bitterness. Often the one whose minds are focused on evil is quick to accuse one doing evil.
But we should not be among the false accusers. It is we who have to deal with the false accusers. We certainly don't wanna be like them. Right? We definitely don't wanna be like them. So, rather than respond with a false accusation of our own, we should simply live our lives in such a way our conduct reproves those who accuse us. Daniel chapter 6 verse 3 through 4 says Daniel, distinguished himself above the governors and satraps because the excellence spirit was in him. And the king gave thought to set him over the realm. So the governors and satraps thought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom. But they could find no charge or fault because he was faithful nor was there any err or fault found in him. So if we are falsely accused let it be because we're obedient to Yahweh. Thus that would happen to these men. To Daniel, they accused him falsely and tried to get him put into the lion's den and we all know the story. He was spared, wasn't he? So when we're accused of something, let it be that we're accused and guilty of having followed Yahushua. Matthew 5:11 says blessed are you when they revile Matthew 10:24 says that the disciple is not above and persecute you and you say all kinds evil against his teacher nor is a servant above his master. you falsely for my sake. It's enough for his disciple to be like his Blessed are you, wow. You see the battle lines here? The adversaries wanted to bring reproach upon reproach upon the innocent. He did it with Yahushua, expect it to be done to you as well. We are coming out of the traditions of Christianity. The traditional viewpoints expect the slander that they place. It will happen.
teacher and the servant like his master. Give it time it will happen eventually.
If they call the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those if his household? I mean they call Yahushua names expect it. Expect it. Now, I want to make sure we understand; just the idea of accusing someone in, and of itself, is not inherently evil. In fact, it's a necessary part of judging right and wrong. You just need to be very, very sure that you're on the right side of Yahweh's judgment when you choose to accuse. Because scripture does say, "he who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the just both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh." and so we have
to be accurate in our judgments when we make a determination as to whether a particular kind of conduct is right or wrong. And if we witness it with our own eyes and our own ears and we see what's going. It's okay to make a judgment about what's right and what's wrong. Right? You don't wanna justify one who is doing something wrong and you don't wanna condemn one who's doing nothing wrong. Both are an abomination to Yahweh. The judgment does begin at the house of Elohim. But the question is how is that supposed to be handled? Is it supposed to be handled by telling everybody about it and accusing and spreading all kinds of thing about that person? You know. No, that's not the way to handle it. It's probably because it's very, very, very rarely, What is the right way to handle it? But what does scripture say the right way to handle sin in the body of the messiah is supposed to be? if you don't know.
is it ever practiced. It's this; Matthew 18: 15 moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. Alone. If he hears you, you've gained your brother.
This step right here is so rarely followed. I mean rare.
Because people come to me "well, I think so and so is you know doing this or doing that and it really hurt me that they did that." And I'll ask him, "have you ever gone to them and told them that you know you're offended by that?" "Well no, I wanted to go and get counseled first." What do you need counsel for? It says right here, go and tell him, he is the counsel. Go and tell him. No, I don't need to know about it, unless you tell him and then he doesn't listen to you and don't wanna change. Other than that telling me doesn't help anything. I mean it's actually a disobedience to Yahushua. He said,"go to him alone, but if he will not hear take with you one or two more.
That by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established." If you got yourself when you're going to the person they might not listen to you because they might not like you. But if you can bring someone that you know that person respects and go to him with the other person. Ideally, go to tell him about something that you know. You know you're looking for witnesses to bring with you, try to find someone you know that that person is gonna respect. Because your goal is that they would change. if you're gonna bring someone you know that, that person doesn't respect then you know it may not work out. So bring with you one or two more. And whoever you bring with you, make sure it's someone they will listen to or respect if there is anyone. There are some people who don't respect anybody. But bring with you one or two more. And so that's the directive here, and if they refuse to hear it. Then you can tell everybody in the congregation and the goal is that that person be brought to a place of repentance. You know what? If you follow these steps, you may even find out that you are wrong. You may find out that you misunderstood something.
And that's why you go to them personally first. If you don't go to them you may have this bitterness in your heart that will affect you for years about that person. And it could be all based on a misunderstanding. And quite often offenses between brothers and sisters, between brothers and brothers, between sisters and sisters are based on a misunderstanding.
Now, what about family relationships?
We are warned as men in Colossians 3:19 husbands
love your wives and do not be bitter towards them.
It's like he knew our tendencies. Right? Bitterness a husband holds against his wife for past wrongs will often result in future false suspicions and wrongdoing. And consequently false accusations. Now the reverse can also be true. A wife can be bitter toward her husband and hold things. You know an on-going joke; one time I heard among a particular marriage seminar. You know women got this little briefcase. They pack away all your faults, all your past transgressions and whenever they feel like they are losing an argument they just break out the briefcase. And "remember that time you did this? Remember that time you did that?" And it was all supposed to be a big funny joke. I don't think it's funny, I think its bitterness. You have to let things go. You have to forgive. You can't hold bitterness and men we can't do that either. We cannot be holding bitterness against our wives. We are not supposed to be holding things against other people period. What does scripture say? The model prayer Yahushua gave and we asked that he forgive us of our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Forgive us our debts as we forgive those indebted to us. Right? Now, when someone does spread a report about somebody and don't assume that because lots of people are saying it, it's necessarily true. If someone has a story about someone, that person could tell another person, who tells another person, who tells another person, who tells another person. And these rumors get spread around and that thing may not even true. It may be completely untrue. But because so many people believe it, the assumption is made that it's actually true. And many times I've heard rumors floating around; I will actually go to the person and ask them about it. And I'll find out, it wasn't even true. So, what does scripture say? You shall not circulate a false report. Do not put your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous bitterness. Don't be spreading rumors around that we don't have any facts about whatsoever. And it's often seen in email chains, in Facebook posts. And there are entire websites dedicated to exposing false reports, fake news. Right? Just because everybody else is accusing, you don't follow a crowd to do evil. Nor shall you testify in as dispute so as to turn aside men, to prevent justice. So, beware, keep yourself from any false matter.
Too often the internet is the playground for these things. Keep yourself far from the false matter. Do not kill the innocent, the righteous. I will not justify the wicked; either it's a spiritual matter or a physical one.
When we think evil of another and we really don't know for sure. We're wise to not assume that thought to be true and wiser still not to condemn them. Because we also could be judged with what judgment you judge you will be judged. Right? That's why Yahushua said in verse 3 " why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye but don't consider the plank in your own eye?" You know what I've got enough problems with my sins, my own things I'm trying to deal with. Now, you know trying to pick on somebody else.
We all got our issues. Now does that mean you could never go to one and never say anything to them about anything they are doing? Well, Galatians 6: 1 says you with spirit restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. It's okay to go to them with their issue but go to them personally. And in a loving way, in a gentle way.
And we see these kinds of judgments also in the body of Messiah. "If you don't hold my doctrine you're not saved." "If you don't believe the way I do you're not saved." Denominationalism has the spirit of accusation built in. But the minute you judge someone because of their lack of understanding, you endanger yourself because who knows if you might be ignorant in something else. And you just judged a man for their ignorance. Right? But so the merciful, they will obtain mercy. But far better off not to accuse, nit to think evil of. We must be 100%, 1000% certain. Before we even make a judgment.
And make sure judgments are not being collared by past experiences, by roots of bitterness.
If you find that that person has done wrong, you
shall not hate your brother in your heart.
See the law in not just outward its inward. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor and not bear sin because of him. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor and not bear sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance nor bear any grudge against the children of your people. But you shall live your neighbor as yourself I'm Yahweh. You know Yahushua's words in Matthew 18 solve this whole thing. It's actually based on this whole ... Leviticus 19:17 through 18 you're not gonna hate your brother, you're gonna go to him. And you're gonna rebuke him and not bear sin because of him. You're not going to take vengeance, you're not gonna bear a grudge you're going to love him. Love him. Brethren James 5:19 if anyone among you wanders
from the truth and someone turns him back let him know. He who turns a sinner from their error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.
As I said, if a man has ever taken any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in spirit gentleness concerning yourself lest you also be tempted. See, you got that person with an arrogant attitude, Yahweh may just go, and "I've been protecting you from that temptation son. But since you judged that man so harshly. I'm gonna withdraw my protection and see how well you do." You find out you may not do any better than he did, you may do worse with the same temptation. It may be 20 years later and maybe two weeks later and you realize how hard it is. And don't be so harsh and so judgemental. You may find out you don't have the correct information and then you come to him with hardy spirit. You find out you were completely wrong, you misunderstood something. What's scripture say, Proverbs 18: 17 the first one to plead his cause seems right until his neighbor comes and examines him. Right? The first story always sounds right. So, therefore, the servant of Yahweh must not
quarrel. No fighting, no arguing, no conflict. But be gentle to all. Able to teach, patient and humility in correcting those who are in opposition. If Elohim perhaps will grant them repentance. So that they may know the truth and they may come to their senses. And escape the snare of the devil. Having been taken captive by him to do his will.
This scripture right here is so important.
we need to do the same for our children, for our wives, for anyone, any family member, brothers and sisters, anyone of the faith be gentle to all and
humility. Look I've got overcoming to do; we all got overcoming to do. The last thing we need is to tear each other down over our weaknesses.
Instead, let's get underneath them and bear them up. James 3:13 who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show by good conduct, whose works are done and the meekness of wisdom.
When we're meek we won't be so quick to wrongly judge. We aren't so quick to judge another. We ourselves are spared from judgment. And I'm quite sure we're all gonna need all the mercy we can get on the day of judgment, right?
The last thing we need is snap judgments based on false pretenses, phony spiritual discernment. Whenever someone says they have spiritual discernment, I say "well, wait and see maybe they do". But a lot of times it's just bitterness. Let's make sure our judgments are not based on false witnesses and evil thoughts and past experiences, assuming that person is doing what someone did to you however long ago it was. Now let's cease from the false accusations based on mere suspicions and spiritual pride. Lest we find ourselves imitating the father of lies. Let's cease from falsely accusing a person based on past experiences because every person is different.
Instead, let's intercede and plead the cause of the one who is being accused and pray for the person. And let's seek to make diligent inquiry before we assume anything. Let's imitate the one who is the truth and forever seek the truth in every matter. Resisting every false thought, every false thought and the one who would inspire them. Let's pray; Heavenly father Yahweh, Kadosh be
your great name. Father forgive all of us we pray.
we know yours is the kingdom of power and glory. We desire wilt be done on the earth in our own lives. Father forgive us if we failed in any of these areas in which I have read from your word today.
Father strengthen us in the weakness that we have this over-attention to the faults of others hopeless
to see our own faults. And humbly by the power of Yahushua in us overcome them. Give us the boldness to reproach someone when we think they are doing something wrong and we feel that you are calling us to say something to them. And let's be gentle father, teach us to be gentle especially with new believers who are just trying to find their way into this walk who needs a lot to learn a lot to do. And you're patient; help us to be patient also.
Thank you for being patient with us. Truly your gentleness has resulted in our growth and for that we are thankful. Help us to be overcomers, help us to be patient with each other, long-suffering and be manifesting the
gentleness that you desire us to manifest. For truly yours is the kingdom of power and
glory.