Proverbs 14: 5-6

Many of us have seen a television show where there is a dramatic courtroom scene and a witness is testifying. The tension is high, people are on edge, and the outcome hinges on the testimony of this one witness. Similarly, our willingness to be an honest witness not only affects our own lives but the lives of others. God’s word challenges us to stand firm and be an honest witness.

5 An honest witness does not lie, a false witness breathes lies.

Although this verse on its face appears simple, it is a rather complex statement. When the writer refers to lies he is not referring to simply speaking lies. He is talking about deception. We must understand Satan (The Deceiver) is the ultimate deceiver. In every way he lies. Through word and deed, action and inaction, he wants us to believe those things that would keep us far from God. He wants to confuse and conflict us. He wants to use what God has given us as weapons against us. One example is “conviction”. God gives us conviction so that we might seek forgiveness, change our behaviors, and come into a better and closer relationship with him. The Deceiver uses conviction to tell us we are not worthy of God’s love, he uses it to keep us from achieving Gods plan for our lives. He continually deceives us with falsehoods about our worthiness of God’s love and attention. We can break through his lies by understanding the simple truth that God is for us and is an honest witness to our lives. If we seek him in prayer and genuinely listen to his guidance he will always speak and reveal truth (wisdom) into our lives.

6 A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.

Does a mocker seek wisdom? Perhaps, but not true wisdom, much like the ultimate deceiver a mocker deceives themselves by thinking wisdom resides in what they already know. Those who seek true wisdom (Gods truth) must submit to the truth that there is much they don’t know. Think of someone you know who is unwilling to change…They may debate and argue their position, all the while never admitting when they may be wrong (Pride). This is the mocker…”I am right because I say I am right…I will listen to your position…but only so I can try to prove you wrong.” That may be why the mocker never finds wisdom…he seeks only wisdom that agrees with what he already thinks. However, True wisdom is easily found for those who are willing to change. (Open), those who are willing to genuinely listen (Humble), and those are willing to accept that they may need to change their position (Vulnerability). When we are open, humble, and vulnerable we are able to hear and understand Gods wisdom because we take the position of servant instead of master. We recognize our dependence on God and like any good and faithful servant we seek to do what is pleasing to the Master. As a result, when we genuinely submit to God in prayer and seek his truth we are able to hear him, understand, and recognize true wisdom.

As I composed this a couple of questions came to mind that I will reflect on and I encourage you to consider.

1. In what way could I be a more honest witness? (Avoid Gossip, Half Truths, False Witness)
2. Do I mock Gods wisdom by not seeking it or only seeking it when things are hard?
3. What areas of my life am I holding on to that keep me from gaining a better understanding of Gods wisdom?