“Among the seven things the Lord hates and calls abominations is . . . a false witness who speaks lies.” Proverbs 6:19 (NKJV)
Most people agree that there are few things more despicable than a false witness — one who lies and says that a person is guilty
when he knows he is not. Pete had hired Ray, a friend, at his store selling business machines, furniture, and other items. “We’re finding it
hard to keep laptops in stock,” Pete says to Ray one day. “Folks must be shoplifting ours, because the sales aren’t showing in our records.” “Just the other day, a street kid offered one to me,” says Ray. “Then I saw him sell it to another guy. Probably a gang operating around here,” Ray adds, avoiding Pete’s eyes as they close shop.
“Keeping track of things is your job,” Pete says, then locks the door behind them. “I can’t afford to lose merchandise. I’ll call my buddy at
the police station. He’ll look into it.” Ray hops into Pete’s truck. “He should talk to that skinny kid with the scalp lock hair. I hear he rips off
stuff to sell!”
When Pete opens the shop the next day, his policeman friend parks beside him: “Morning, Pete. I need to talk to you.” “Did you find anything about the laptops?” Pete asks, as he unlocks the shop door. “We searched your friend, Ray Blackstone’s place. We found stacks of stolen laptops and stuff. He says you both sell through street kids. He says you know about it, and that your whole business is built on marketing stolen goods.”
“What?” Pete replies incredulously. After being interrogated, then failing a lie detector test, Ray snarls, “It was my chance to run something my own way. Pete gives me stupid stuff to do while he struts around like he’s king of the world!”
Our Father in heaven, I repent for ever having spoken falsely against another, and ask Your forgiveness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
— Kiki BelMonte-Schaller
Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.
The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website.
Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org