Exo 1:19 And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.
According to the dictionary - the definition of a lie is:
1.a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive; an intentional untruth; a falsehood.
To some it may cause a discordance within themselves to think the midwives 'lied' and yet God rewarded them.
Exo 1:20-21 Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty. And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.
If (notice IF) the midwives were breaking the 9th commandment (which hadn't technically been given yet):
Exo_20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
What does it mean to bear false witness?
My pastor, and his instruction regarding the midwives and Rahab the harlot, challenged my understanding about a false witness. His devotional on Proverbs (which can be viewed here) makes valid points about the issue.
Pro 14:25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
And...flipping the coin...how willing am I to hear a true witness? To examine myself when someone speaks (either lovingly or not)?
My pastor, and his instruction regarding the midwives and Rahab the harlot, challenged my understanding about a false witness. His devotional on Proverbs (which can be viewed here) makes valid points about the issue.
Pro 14:25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
The midwives (and Rahab) delivered the babies (as well as the spies) from destruction. Interestingly as I researched this topic 'lies' I came across several articles based upon a recent study on how lies negatively impact one's health.
Thought provoking about how many lie - or hedge the truth, side stepping responsibility or potentially 'throwing someone under the bus.' The challenge is to be as honest as possible, while not endangering lives obviously, but accepting responsibility for one's words, actions or deeds. I'd like to think I don't lie...but do I? Do I hedge the truth, or 'run around' or not speak directly either to avoid confrontation or risk hurting someone?
Is it easier to NOT be honest, remaining silent when something should be said, or padding or white washing what is said...how direct and honest am I? Without being callous or hard? Do I accept the responsibility to speak, and then willingly give the time and effort to work through the ongoing conversation or other responsibilities for following through?
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