Proverbs 12:17 RA True Witness With Honest Evidence

Proverbs 12:17 Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. A True Witness With Honest Evidence Robin Aylor If you’ve ever watched Cold Case Files or Forensic Files on TV or maybe FBI Files… Then you know that in a criminal investigation honest evidence is crucial. And there’s a lot more honest evidence than there used to be. With newer technology like laser ablation, magnetic fingerprinting, 3D facial reconstruction, or sequencing minute amounts of DNA someone left behind. Its good evidence that either refutes or confirms the accused story. In a similar way, honest evidence either conflicts or bears witness to a person’s claim to believe in Jesus. How many times have you heard “Jesus changed my life” from a person who’s lifestyle is still full of greed and gossip? There are many who claim to be a follower of Christ while they are actually only concerned about what is best for them in this life. For these, salvation is a kind of fire insurance that allows them to stay engaged in that same old mission they always had without having to worry about the consequences of sin. Don’t get me wrong… we all have sin and areas we need to grow in but believers live their lives in circles of true repentance. You may have friends who show up for church on Sunday morning and talk like a sanctified angel but live like the devil partying with friends on Saturday night. There may be people you know from your Sunday School class who answer all the questions spot on, but you work with them and know they cuss like a sailor at the job site. They blend right in with the rest of the world. Some of these same people are parents and wear the title Christian as a status symbol but at home never lead their children in prayer or study Gods word together. All the actions of our life are symptoms of what lays beneath… They work together to support honest evidence for truth. This passage tells us how if someone is speaking truth about what they claim there will be honest evidence. There will be confirmation of what they claim. There are many evidences for true believers in Christ. One is a love and delight in God’s word. Another is a love for other believers. John 13:35 Jesus said this: By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” The question for today I believe is really this. Have you ever looked to Jesus as your greatest treasure? Have you ever turned away from sin and seen him as your delight, as beautiful and good news and your only hope? That is called believing in Jesus and repentance. If so, then the witness of your profession will be true and good honest evidence will follow. Even when we sin and fail the evidence is there in our repentance... our turning back to God and apologizing to our neighbor. ​