God has so far indicated that he cares about our life (no murder), our love (no adultery), and our stuff (no stealing). Now he says, "no false testimonies". He cares about our reputation.
Already, we have seen that the Hebrews have developed a kind of civil court - where Moses appointed "judges" to mitigate disagreement between people. Eventually, they will also develop rules about the need for witnesses to give testimony on injuries and damages. In preparation for these procedures, God says, "do not go before the elders and judges and say things about your neighbour that are not true."
I don't know what is it about us that attracts us to bad things - like the need to slow and take a long look at accidents. Juicy gossip make our ears itch. Our hunger for reputation damaging information spreads bad news like the way lighter fluid spreads a flame. There is something call the rule of 10 - it takes 10 pieces of good news to correct 1 piece of bad news. And to think if the news is made up. Our name, some say, is all we have.
So God says, "respect your neighbour's name. Help them keep their good name by not tell lies about them."
Write
Think about your faith story: what's your friends' opinion of you? How have your experienced the discoloring of your name?
Presently, who's reputation is at your mercy? Who is saying bad things about you?
Who do you know is worried about their reputation?
Pray
What
is God saying to you today? What's Good News to you?
Talk to God about your reputation. Thank God for the way he sees you exactly as you are, and loves you for being you..
Pray about your reputation. Talk to God about the people you say bad things about. Talk to God about the people who are saying bad things about you. Ask God for the wisdom to repair the relationships in your life.
Pray for the person you know who is worried about their reputation. Pray for the wisdom and opportunity to walk with and support your friend.
Pray for an experience of God's love, grace and mercy in the way Jesus lends you his reputation, and the way he entrusts his reputation with you.