What exactly does 'giving false testimony' mean to us today? Webster's New World Dictionary defines the word 'false' to telling a lie. In other words, it means saying or telling something that isn't true. And the majority of Christians accept it as being just that; but like so many of the other Commandments this one also has numerous underlying attitudes and issues that we may not know and we need to be aware of.

What appears on the surface as simply accusing someone of something that isn't true, in reality, is referring to much more. It is about us, about the attitude of our heart as we live and communicate with others around us.

Anytime we tell someone something that isn't true, causing them to do something that brings us personal gain at their expense, we are breaking the 9th Commandment.

When those of the world are caught doing something wrong or illegal, they lie rather than face the consequences of their actions; unfortunately, professing Christians often resort to this as well. They try to pretend that they have done nothing wrong. They are breaking the 9th Commandment.

Also, when we try to make ourselves look better than others by telling gossip we've heard about the other person we are breaking the 9th Commandment.

When we call ourselves Christians but we do those things that CHRIST would NEVER do: premarital sex, adultery, smoking, drinking, drugging, homosexuality, stealing, cursing, lying, coveting, wild partying, etc. we are breaking the 9th Commandment! Because to be a Christian means to be CHRIST-like!

So, what's the big deal? Everybody lies in some way, shape, or form. No one needs ever know, right?

Wrong! Numbers 32:23 says: "You may be sure that your sins will be found out." People have a way of finding out eventually; and believe it or not, once an individual is discovered to be a liar, others do not like being associated with them; also, it is hard to trust a liar. Lying results in isolation and alienation.

And remember, GOD's Word says if we offend [or break] just one of His laws we have broken them all [James 2:10]. If we say we abide in Him, we ought to walk even as He walked. [1 John 2:6].

These are GOD's Words, not mine. Hear, and obey!