A Truthful Witness

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words. (Proverbs 18:21) O LORD, who may lodge [as a guest] in Your tent?

Who may dwell [continually] on Your holy hill?

He who walks with integrity and strength of character, and works righteousness,

And speaks and holds truth in his heart.

He does not slander with his tongue,

Nor does evil to his neighbor,

Nor takes up a reproach against his friend;

In his eyes an evil person is despised,

But he honors those who fear the LORD [and obediently worship Him with awe-inspired reverence and submissive wonder. (Psalm 15:1-4) But speaking the truth in love [in all things—both our speech and our lives expressing His truth], let us grow up in all things into Him [following His example] who is the Head—Christ. (Ephesians 4:15) The tongue of the wise speaks knowledge that is pleasing and acceptable,

But the [babbling] mouth of fools spouts folly.

The eyes of the LORD are in every place,

Watching the evil and the good [in all their endeavors].

A soothing tongue [speaking words that build up and encourage] is a tree of life. (Proverbs 15:2-4) He who speaks truth [when he testifies] tells what is right,

But a false witness utters deceit [in court].

There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,

But the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Truthful lips will be established forever,

But a lying tongue is [credited] only for a moment.

Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,

But counselors of peace have joy. (Proverbs 12:17-10) How blessed and favored by God are those whose way is blameless [those with personal integrity, the upright, the guileless],

Who walk in the law [and who are guided by the precepts and revealed will] of the LORD.

Blessed and favored by God are those who keep His testimonies,

And who [consistently] seek Him and long for Him with all their heart.

They do no unrighteousness;

They walk in His ways.

You have ordained Your precepts,

That we should follow them with [careful] diligence. (Psalm 119:1-4) Your word is a lamp to my feet

And a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105) For they are life to those who find them,

And healing and health to all their flesh. (Proverbs 4:22)