“Be not a witness against thy neighbor without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.” Proverbs 24:28
“If it’s true, it must be said,” is simply not true. While much of the last few verses have promoted the value of speaking truth, Solomon provides the perfect balance. God knows that the deceitful nature of our heart is such that we will promote truth when it is convenient for us. And so He gives this balancing statement: Do not use truth to destroy. A few questions might help to provide discernment: Will telling this edify? Will telling this promote the glory of God? What purpose will be served by telling this story? Is there cause, and if so, what is the cause? Questions like these expose our motives, and often, our motives are less than pure. God uses truth to sanctify, and He expects us to use truth for the same purpose.