"These are the things that you shall do; speak every man the truth to his neighbor; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates. 17. And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against your neighbour; and love no false oaths; for all these are things that I hate, saith the Lord."
Zechariah 8 is an island of tranquility in a sea of negativity. (This is a reference to all of the prophets, not just Zechariah.) There is judgment and hope in most of the prophets in the Old Testament, but this chapter is a treasure of hope for Israel. But they are reminded of what God's expectations are for them in this tranquil time. In other words, God would bless but they had responsibilities too. This is a good lesson for us as to what God's expectations are for us. I. Vs. 16a - Be Truthful. (Another good word here could be trustworthy.) II. Vs. 16b - Be fair in judgment. ("gates" = courts) III. Vs. 17a - Be kind to your neighbor. IV. Vs. 17b - Be honest - don't lie against people. A "false oath" is perjury. These are not things that we do to be saved. We are saved by faith in Jesus. These are things that we should do because we are saved.
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