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Question 113:

Is there a verse which explains that if you know someone is doing something wrong and you do not say anything about it then you are wrong too? Can you help me with the correct verse? Thank you!

Profile: Female 46-60 North America

Answer:

Thanks For writing to GotQuestions.org.

There are at least 2 scriptures in the bible that answer your question.
Leviticus 5:1 English Standard Version (ESV)
5 “If anyone sins in that he hears a public adjuration to testify, and though he is a witness, whether he has seen or come to know the matter, yet does not speak, he shall bear his iniquity;
Here is a brief Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on this verse:
The offence here noticed: 1. A man is concealing the truth, when he was sworn as a witness to speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. If, in such a case, for fear of offending one that has been his friend, or may be his enemy, a man refuses to give evidence, or gives it but in part, he shall bear his iniquity. And that is a heavy burden, which, if some course be not taken to get it removed, will sink a man to hell. Let all that are called at any time to be witnesses, think of this law, and be free and open in their evidence, and take heed of prevaricating. An oath of the Lord is a sacred thing, not to be trifled with”.
The other scripture I was referring to is as follows:
James 4:17 English Standard Version (ESV)
17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
Friend, I feel compelled to advice you to count the cost if your question is related to you.
Luke 14:28 English Standard Version (ESV)
28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?
The answer to your question varies depending on how dangerous the situation is. Are you telling on a sibling who disobeyed and took a cookie from the forbidden cookie jar? Or speaking regarding a crime being perpetrated.

Your safety matters! If by speaking up it can cause you or your family harm be very careful who you tell. They must be capable of keeping your identity confidential.

Pray for wisdom and for the words to say.

Know that not all things are helpful.
1 Corinthians 6:12 English Standard Version (ESV)
12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.
1 Corinthians 10:23 English Standard Version (ESV)
Do All to the Glory of God
23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.
Friend, not speaking up is not a sin that God cannot forgive. If you are trouble by a past incidence don’t beat yourself up any more. If you are a follower of Christ, confess your sin and ask God to forgive you.
1 John 1:9 English Standard Version (ESV)
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Joshua 1:7 English Standard Version (ESV)
7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.
Proverbs 4:27 English Standard Version (ESV)
27 Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.
May you be guided by the Lord in what you need to do!