Swearing falsely, or bearing false witness, is a sin explicitly condemned in the Bible. It involves making a false statement or oath, often with the intent to deceive or mislead. This act is not only a violation of the Ninth Commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16), but it also undermines the integrity and trust that should characterize human relationships.

The wicked, those who live in opposition to God's commandments, are often depicted in Scripture as individuals who not only engage in swearing falsely but also seek to justify their actions through various excuses. This behavior is indicative of a hardened heart and a refusal to submit to God's righteous standards.

Biblical Instances and Descriptions:

1. Jeremiah's Indictment of Judah:
In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet laments the moral decay of Judah, highlighting their propensity to swear falsely. "They bend their tongues like their bows; lies and not truth prevail in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not know Me," declares the LORD (Jeremiah 9:3). Here, the people are described as skillful in deceit, using their tongues as weapons to spread falsehoods.

2. Zechariah's Vision:
The prophet Zechariah receives a vision of a flying scroll, symbolizing God's judgment against those who swear falsely. "This is the curse that is going out over the face of the whole land; for everyone who steals will be cut off according to what is written on one side, and everyone who swears falsely will be cut off according to what is written on the other side" (Zechariah 5:3). This passage underscores the severity of the sin and the divine retribution that follows.

3. Excuses and Justifications:
The wicked often plead excuses for their false oaths, attempting to rationalize their behavior. Proverbs 21:2 states, "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts" . This verse highlights the self-deception that accompanies sin, where individuals convince themselves of the righteousness of their actions despite their clear violation of God's law.

4. The Pharisees' Hypocrisy:
In the New Testament, Jesus condemns the Pharisees for their hypocritical practices, including swearing falsely. "Woe to you, blind guides! You say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath'" (Matthew 23:16). The Pharisees created elaborate systems of oaths to manipulate the truth, demonstrating their moral corruption and the excuses they made to justify their deceit.

5. The Call to Integrity:
Scripture calls believers to a standard of truthfulness and integrity, contrasting the behavior of the wicked. Jesus teaches, "But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one" (Matthew 5:37). This command emphasizes the importance of honesty and the rejection of false swearing.

In summary, swearing falsely is a grave sin that the wicked often attempt to excuse. The Bible consistently condemns this behavior, calling for repentance and a return to truthfulness in accordance with God's will.Jeremiah 7:9,10
Will you steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense to Baal, and walk after other gods whom you know not;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Third Commandment
... That which makes swearing yet more heinous, is, that when men have resolved upon
any wicked action, they ... shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 3 the third commandment.htm

Prayers Answered
... He kept a tavern, and used to delight in swearing at a ... from the court arm in arm
with the wicked associate whom he had bribed to swear falsely on his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/prayers answered.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... That I am not speaking falsely of them in ... and fellow-champion of these wicked
tenets.{HORIZONTAL ... or easily speaking evil; or rashly swearing; or forfeiting his ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... Besides, these wicked men, in their wicked cursing of their ... If God's Word says that
swearing and cursing are ... another, and to swear vainly and falsely, are sins ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

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