One of the recurring scenes in crime TV shows is a camera shot of a suspect sound asleep on a jail cell cot. The insightful detective then confidently asserts that he’s found his guy because “only the guilty sleep when caught.” While I doubt the investigative legitimacy of the theory, there is validity to the principle that a clear conscience contributes to good sleep.
My son, do not lose sight of these—keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (Prov. 3:21–24)
According to Proverbs here, a life characterized by wisdom and discretion will reduce the likelihood of experiencing mishaps and misadventures. Unanticipated misfortunes seem to afflict those that are consistently imprudent (or selfish) decisionmakers, but the conscience is a tool to avoid them.
The Lexham Bible Dictionary defines conscience as “A capacity or faculty of moral intuition, consciousness, or reflection.” To leverage the conscience is to reflect on (i.e., be sensitive to) honoring God in the decision-making process. At the moment a decision is made, the conscience has been engaged and will legitimize or delegitimize the decision. To use biblical language, “The work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them” (Rom. 2:15). The conscience is a tool that God has given all mankind, but while it exists to convict the unbeliever of guilt, it is a gift for the believer to assist in making wise decisions. Consider the following mandates in Scripture.
So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. (Ac. 24:16)
[Deacons] must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. (1 Tim. 3:9)
In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. (1 Pet. 3:15–16)
Having a clear conscience is an affirmation that you are making decisions that honor God, but no one is wise and honorable all the time. A burdened conscience can find relief in the blood of Christ. In fact, He says so twice in Hebrews. In Hebrews 9:14 His blood “purifies your conscience” and in 10:22 you are to “have your hearts sprinkled to cleanse you from a guilty conscience.”
The benefit of a clear conscience is not just a better night’s sleep. It is the foundation for boldness in Christ. In the book Heaven upon Earth, Nathanael Vincent wrote, “A good conscience steels a man’s heart with courage and makes him fearless before his enemies. Paul earnestly beheld the council. He was not afraid to face them because his conscience was clear. Nay, we read that Felix the judge trembled, while Paul the prisoner was confident. The reason was because the judge had a bad conscience…but the prisoner being acquitted by a good conscience, did not tremble but rejoiced at the thoughts of judgment to come.”
1 Timothy 4:2 notes that, like a hot iron, a neglected conscience can become seared. The believer then is daily faced with decisions that will reflect either wisdom and discretion or hardness and searing. Often decisions that only you know about have the potential to impact your sleep, your ability to witness to others and your ability to act with godly confidence.
A conscience that is healed by the Gospel, informed by Scripture and exercised through self-examination is a healthy conscience. Being intentional about having a clear conscience is not a matter of legalism but love. Choose sensitivity over searing. Take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.
Love for God leads to confession, study and reflection that enjoys a clear conscience and gains life for your soul and adornment for your neck.