"Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause, and deceive not with your lips." Proverbs 24:28, Amplified
Deception is such a vile thing. It violates the very nature of the human community. Why is this even in the Bible? Because we do it and need to be reminded that we are not to do it. Paul wrote to the Ephesians, "Therefore, putting away lying, 'Let each of you speak the truth with his neighbor,' for we are members of one another." (Ephesians 4:25, NKJV) Paul was actually quoting from the Old Testament. The prophet Zechariah was speaking of the Holy City of Jerusalem of the future. "These are the things you shall: speak each man the truth to his neighbor, give judgements in your gates for truth, justice, and peace." (Zechariah 18:16, NKJV) If this is the kind of people we are going to be in the New Jerusalem, why should we not hold ourselves to that same standard now?
"Say not, I will do to him as he has dome to me; I will pay the man back for his deed." Proverbs 24:29, Amplified
Retribution is another part of the nature of man. The Bible is riddled with verses concerning our desire to take vengeance for ourselves. "Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord. Therefore, 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:17, 19-21, NKJV) If anyone has our backs, the Lord does. He is the unbiased party in any and every conflict and He knows how to act appropriately concerning vengeance. He sees the circumstances that we do not.
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