Deuteronomy 19:18–19 (ESV): 18 The judges shall inquire diligently, and if the witness is a false witness and has accused his brother falsely, 19 then you shall do to him as he had meant to do to his brother. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.
In the final verses of this chapter, instructions are given for judges in how to handle witnesses for court cases. There was great concern to make certain that witnesses were truthful.
Interestingly, this discussion and chapter ends with one of the “eye for an eye” passages. Jesus corrected the misapplication years later that “eye for eye” could be applied by individuals seeking revenge. Rather, this was to be a measure taken by the court.
Yet while this could be applied to the original case – between plaintiff and defendant, the context would suggest that this rule could be applied to a false witness, as well.
God despises dishonesty and slander. We must be careful never to allow slander to go unchecked.
Heavenly Father, help me always to be a champion for truth and so honor your name. Amen.