THE NEW CURRENCY OF PROOF
Welcome to the century of evidence; where every conversation, argument, and accusation is backed by screenshots, voice notes, photos, and CCTV clips. In the church, believers are “gathering proofs” against one another; in politics, evidence is a bargaining chip; in business, it is the silent gun. Even homes now tremble at the sound of “I have evidence!”
It seems society no longer runs on trust but on proof. But the question remains: Is every evidence worth unveiling?
A Yoruba adage says, “The one who opens a sore with his tongue forgets that the wound smells for everyone.” Evidence can build trust; but it can also burn bridges. It can prove truth; but it can also provoke tragedy.
THE NIGHT OF THE KNOCK
It was around 10 p.m. when a knock came on my door. “Chairman, it’s me,” a troubled voice whispered. It was a neighbour who rarely attended community meetings. She had come to report a rumour tearing her family apart.
According to her, someone in the community claimed to have two strong evidences against her; a scandalous revelation threatening her marriage and peace. As the discussion unfolded, other residents gathered, and before long, accusations flew across the room like arrows. Someone was accused of blasphemy, another of money rituals, yet another of selling hard drugs.
The atmosphere grew hot; very hot.
Until I spoke these words:
“Who among you has not sinned? If I begin to reveal all the evidences of everyone’s bad attitude here tonight, this community will crumble before morning.”
The room fell silent. The truth hit harder than thunder.
The people realized what many of us forget—that when everyone holds evidence against everyone, peace has no resting place.
THE MISUSE OF EVIDENCE: WHEN TRUTH KILLS
Evidence, like fire, is good in a pot but deadly in a forest. The danger is not in having the truth but in misusing it.
In the age of social media, people are no longer seeking reconciliation; they are seeking retaliation. We have created digital courthouses on Facebook, X (Twitter), and TikTok, where private conversations are turned into public spectacles.
We have become judges, juries, and executioners of our own brothers and sisters; all in the name of evidence.
Yet, Jesus never said, “Blessed are the exposers.” He said,
“Blessed are the peacemakers.” (Matthew 5:9)
WHEN JESUS REDEFINED EVIDENCE
The Pharisees once brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus, armed with undeniable evidence (John 8:3–11). They wanted her stoned to death. But Jesus stooped down, wrote on the ground, and said,
“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone.”
The accusers left one by one. The woman was guilty; but Jesus offered mercy instead of exposure.
That moment redefined evidence forever:
Truth without love is a weapon; truth with wisdom is redemption.
Another biblical picture appears in Genesis 9:20–27. When Noah became drunk and lay naked, his son Ham exposed him and was cursed. But Shem and Japheth covered their father’s shame and were blessed.
There are times when covering is not deceit; it is divine discretion.
WHEN THE MOUTH BECOMES A SWORD
“He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life; but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.” (Proverbs 13:3)
Many today boast, “I can’t keep quiet, I must say it!” But wisdom teaches restraint. The mouth is a door; once opened carelessly, it can let in destruction.
As another proverb puts it, “The mouth that talks too much invites its own death.”
THE NEW WARFARE: COMMUNITY AGAINST COMMUNITY
From churches to marketplaces, politics to the pulpit, families to Facebook groups; people now fight with proofs.
- In homes, couples are spying on each other.
- In churches, members are secretly recording pastors.
- In communities, neighbours are monitoring neighbours.
- Even in offices, employees collect screenshots like trophies.
We are no longer united by shared goals of growth, restoration, or development—but divided by negative evidence.
The result? Suspicion replaces sincerity. Fear replaces fellowship. Gossip replaces growth.
THE WISDOM QUESTION: WHEN SHOULD YOU SPEAK?
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Before unveiling any “truth,” ask yourself:
- Will this evidence heal or harm?
- Will it build or break?
- Will it save or slay?
Wisdom is knowing what to say, when to say it, and how to say it. Silence is not always weakness—it can be divine strategy.
As the Igbo say, “The tongue that mocks the corpse forgets that death is patient.”
THE SHIFT WE NEED: POSITIVE EVIDENCE
Why must we only gather evidences of evil? Why not collect proofs of progress?
Let our evidences be of:
- Growth in our communities
- Transformation in our churches
- Repentance in our hearts
- Restoration in our homes
- Advancement in our nation
Philippians 4:8 reminds us:
“Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report; think on these things.”
Let’s document good reports, not evil ones. Let our “evidences” celebrate what is working, not magnify what is broken.
SOLUTIONS: REPLACING NOISE WITH WISDOM
-
Let Wisdom Lead:
Not every truth must be told; some truths are timed by heaven. -
Promote Peace Over Proof:
Seek restoration, not revenge. -
Build Character, Not Cases:
Instead of gathering proof against people, gather patience, love, and understanding. -
Teach the Power of Silence:
Leaders must model self-control; communities must reward peacekeeping. -
Pray for Mercy Over Madness:
Only the Spirit of God can tame the tongue and reform the heart.
CONCLUSION: THE TRUTH THAT SAVES
Evidence is not evil; its mismanagement is.
The truth that is spoken without love becomes a lie in practice.
Before you expose, ask: “What will be my gain if this truth ruins a life?”
A Yoruba proverb warns, “He who burns another’s roof forgets his own is made of straw.”
Use your evidence as a mirror, not a missile. Let it build bridges, not burn them.
Because in the end, the greatest evidence of faith is love.
