“Be not a witness against thy neighbor without cause, and deceive not with thy lips. Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: ‘I will render to the man according to his work’” (Proverbs 24:28-29).
“People skills” are an important aspect of wisdom. The cornerstone of being a good neighbor is treating others as you want to be treated (Mat. 7:12). Solomon addresses this in two ways:
- Don’t lie to or about anyone. All corrupt speech (Eph. 4:29)—including lying (Col. 3:9)—should never defile your lips. Because you would never want to be lied to or about, you should do the same for everyone else.
- Don’t lower yourself to the same level as an evildoer. When others live at a level below the “Golden Rule”, do not compromise your integrity by responding in kind. The righteous God will recompense those who have sinned against you (Prov. 20:22). He’s got this. So, you can continue living wisely and righteously before Him.
Be a good neighbor.
