June 12

Jun 12 - Today from Proverbs 12 we look at verse 17
"A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies."

At first read this seems almost too elementary. I mean, if you are educated enough to read, this proverb should go without saying. It's like saying, "The sky is blue, but the grass is green." But, we must remember that this is the Word of God, and Proverbs are meant to impart wisdom. So, I think to myself that there must be more to it than just the surface meaning.
My attention is then drawn to the common element of the two contrasting thoughts here; a witness. What is the purpose of a witness? To bring objective evidence concerning a situation being investigated. So, this leads me to think that this proverb is speaking of objectivity. Wisdom seeks to be objective, and chooses witnesses who have proven to be reliable. One makes wise and discerning decisions by gathering as much objective information as possible. Even if that information goes against your hopes and desires, and even if that information comes from a source that you do not like. If the source has proven to provide reliable information on a consistent basis, it's a good bet that you can use the information in your evaluation or decision.
Objectivity needs to take precedence over loyalty. If we have a friend, or even a family member, who has proven to be untruthful in less critical situations, should we stand by their word when the situation is critical? Integrity is as strong as titanium when it is intact. But it is as fragile as a gossamer thread when one is caught in a critical lie. It should be a long time before anyone hangs a decision on the questionable integrity of such a person again. Yet, there are people who value loyalty above integrity.
Objectivity needs to take precedence over our own understanding. We can be very poor witnesses to ourselves when we want the outcome of a decision to fall in favor of how we wish or think it should be. We can tend to shut out the voices of witnesses who have shown integrity in favor of our own understanding of a situation. We have all been guilty of lying to ourselves.
As believers, our objective source of truth is the Word of God. It gives absolutely honest testimony, and is our rule for all faith and life. We are most foolish by acting subjectively when His objective truth is clear. The Holy Spirit is also an objective Witness of perfect integrity. But know that the Spirit and the Word are always in full agreement. Many people make subjective decisions and claim they are 'led of the Spirit'. But when the decision opposes the expressed will of God as revealed in His Word, you can know that it was not the Holy Spirit who prompted the decision.
Wise leaders must choose objectivity when making critical decisions. They must seek out truthful witnesses and gather as much correct information as they can. They must not select information in order to favor family, friends or self, but they must select information according to its accuracy. This proverb reveals a principle in gathering correct information; seek the information from truthful witnesses. Look at the record of the witnesses and try to determine their integrity. What is their source of objectivity? Is it based on the unchanging principles and values of God's Word? Or is it some philosophy fabricated from the limited knowledge of man? Do they have a reputation of telling the truth, no matter what? Or are they known to 'spin' information in order to support their own ulterior motives? Wisdom works from a base of truth, and truth must be objective.