Exodus 20:16

Verse 16 – You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
Prov. 17:7 – Respected people do not tell lies.

I. First you win respect by not giving false testimony

TYPES OF FALSE TESTIMONY

1. By gossip.
Definition:
Prov. 26:20 & 22 – Without wood a fire goes out, without gossip a quarrel dies. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels, they go down to a man’s inmost parts.

Varieties:

2. By slander.
Definition:
James 4:11 – Brothers do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the Law. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge.

3. By flattery.
Definition:
Prov. 26:28 – Flattery is a form of hatred and wounds cruelly.
Prov. 29:5 – Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet.

II. The way to win the respect of others:
1. Examine your heart.
Jer. 17:9 – The heart is deceitful above all things.
MOTIVES FOR DISHONESTY

• Fear
• Selfishness
• Anger
• Pride

2. Think about honest things.
Phil. 4:8 – Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.

3. Refuse to give or receive gossip.
Prov. 11:13 – A gossip goes around spreading rumors, while a trustworthy man tries to quiet them.

4. Keep your promises.
Psalm 15:4-5 – He who keeps his oath even when it hurts, shall never be shaken.

5. Be an encourager.
Ephesians 4:29 – Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

T – Is it True
H – Is it Helpful
I – Is it Inspiring
N – Is it Necessary
K – Is it Kind

Psalm 34:11 & 12 – If you love life and desire to see many good days, then keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.