14 Day Fast: Day 6

Scripture: “A false witness who pours out lies…” — Proverbs 6:19a (NIV)
 
Devotional:
Imagine a beautifully constructed building—solid foundation, tall walls, strong beams. But someone begins to tamper with the supports—replacing steel with plastic, bricks with foam. The outside looks fine, but inside, structural integrity is being compromised. Eventually, the whole building begins to lean and buckle—not because of outside storms, but internal weakness. This is what false witnessing does to the church. It compromises our internal structure. While the exterior may appear intact, the Spirit knows when integrity has been replaced by deception. Proverbs 6 lists things the Lord hates, and “a false witness who pours out lies” is one of them. False witnessing doesn’t just mean lying on paper—it includes distorting the truth, spreading half-truths, misrepresenting people, gossiping, and even remaining silent when truth should be spoken. Though not everyone in the church may be doing this, many may know about it and remain silent, creating a culture of tolerance around sin. This is just as dangerous. The body of Christ is called to truth—not just in what we preach, but in how we live. When one member lies or misrepresents another, the entire fellowship is affected. Trust is broken. Love is questioned. Division creeps in.
 
As believers, we are called to truth and accountability. If we are aware of someone bearing false witness—whether in conversation, social settings, or leadership—we must lovingly confront them, praying for their restoration, not their embarrassment. We must also examine ourselves.
Am I speaking truth?
Am I exaggerating stories to sway others?
Am I silent when I should speak up for someone?
 
As a church, we must cultivate an atmosphere of truth, correction, and love. Not legalism—but a grace-filled pursuit of truth for the sake of unity.
 
Takeaway for the Day:
Today, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any ways you’ve participated in or tolerated false witnessing. Commit to being a truth-bearer and lovingly helping others walk in truth too.
 
Prayer:
Father, we come before You today acknowledging that You hate a false witness. Forgive us for the times we’ve lied, misrepresented others, or stood by while others did. Forgive us as a church for failing to protect one another through truth. Cleanse our lips, our hearts, and our conversations. Teach us how to confront in love, speak with boldness, and build up the body through honesty. We pray for our leaders and members—that we would walk in truth and that every part of our fellowship would reflect You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
 
 
Supporting Scriptures for Further Study:
Ephesians 4:25 – “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.”
Proverbs 12:22 – “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.”
James 5:19-20 – “My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back… will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”