“A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully.”
The depth to this verse is very encouraging. The original language includes the concept of this persons speaking “boldly and freely.”. How refreshing it is to have a “careful” listener as well. This person pays close attention to what is being said and thinks about it before giving a response. I find myself intrigued by the idea of what a better world we would all live in if it was filled with careful, compassionate listeners who then spoke with conviction, boldly and freely. The writer also includes in the original language that this person’s words will live well beyond their days on earth. Their testimony will outlive them. Good or bad our words will last and we will ultimately have to account for them before God. When we live and speak the truth, we can speak boldly and freely. When we are consistent and our stories do not change, we can speak boldly and freely. When we speak God‘s truth plainly we can speak boldly and freely. Who wouldn’t rather live life boldly and freely? Today live a bold and free life as you speak consistent truth. #BeTheEdge
“For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Jesus.