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Begin wherever your curiosity leads. The studies will be here when you’re ready. When I shared my first Matthew study on Facebook today, I mentioned that I planned to post daily, though I might not share every post on Facebook. As I continue setting up this blog, I’ve realized that what matters most to me is making my past studies available for anyone who wants to explore them. For now, I’ll be adding posts to my heart’s content as I work through those studies. Some days that may mean one post; other days it may mean several. I’ll continue reading through and preparing each one before sharing it. There is no need to keep up with everything as it appears. This blog is becoming a place you can browse at your own pace—begin with a book, a question, or a study that interests you, and follow from there. The Bible Books page gathers studies by book, while Study Threads helps connect topics that travel through more than one book. The labels on individual posts also bring related material to...
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107. Ten Commandments: What Do We Do When We See?


God’s Image • Commandment 9: Do Not Bear False Witness

Our examination has considered accusations, altered words, and the responsibility to investigate before accepting a report. Another question follows:

Once we recognize that someone is being mistreated, how do we respond?

Standing By and Approving

When Stephen is driven outside the city and stoned, the witnesses place their garments at Saul’s feet. The account preserves both those carrying out the violence and the person holding their garments. Read Acts 7:54–60.

Paul later describes his own involvement:

“I also was standing by approving, and guarding the garments of those who were slaying him.”

— Acts 22:20, LSB, excerpt

Notice the actions: standing by, approving, and guarding.

Paul’s account does not limit responsibility to the hands throwing stones. He identifies his approval and assistance. His presence supported those shedding Stephen’s blood.

This gives us a serious question to examine: Can I distance myself from someone’s wrongdoing in words while continuing to assist that wrongdoing through my actions?

Seeing and Passing By

In Jesus’ account of the injured traveler, robbers leave a man half dead. A priest sees him and passes by. A Levite also sees him and passes by.

The Samaritan sees him too—but responds with compassion. He approaches, treats the wounds, transports the man, and provides for his continuing care. Read Luke 10:30–35.

These people encounter the aftermath of the attack. Their responses differ from Saul’s approval of Stephen’s killing, but the comparison brings another responsibility into view: what we do with the suffering we see.

Jesus asks who proved to be a neighbor. The answer identifies the one who showed mercy, and Jesus directs his listener to act likewise. Read Luke 10:36–37.

What Does Love Provide?

First John places hatred, death, and love beside practical responsibility. After identifying hatred of a brother with murder, John describes someone who has material resources, sees a brother’s need, and closes his heart against him. He asks how God’s love abides in that person. Read 1 John 3:14–17.

He then writes:

“Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.”

— 1 John 3:18, LSB

Saying that everyone is imperfect does not answer this examination. The question remains: What are we doing about the harm and need before us?

Applied to false witness, this requires examining both what we repeat and how we respond when an accusation proves untrue.

Questions Worth Asking

  • If I discover that an accusation I repeated was false, will I correct it with those who heard it?

  • Have I privately disagreed with someone’s mistreatment while continuing to support the actions responsible?

  • Does loyalty to a group make me less willing to acknowledge the harm it caused?

  • Have I used human imperfection to excuse conduct that needs correction?

  • What truthful correction, practical help, or care can I offer the person harmed?

Threads to Follow

  • Restoring truthful speech: Examine Ephesians 4:25 alongside responsibility toward one another.

  • Correction with care: Keep 2 Timothy 2:24–26 beside the need to address wrongdoing.

  • Love in action: Return to Luke 10:30–37 and 1 John 3:16–18 when considering our response to another’s suffering.

The books were opened…

🌿Studies by Maria Emilia ~ 🗺️Continue exploring: Visit Bible Books to find studies organized by book of the Bible, along with related studies and links.

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