Q & A 112

Q. What is the aim of the ninth commandment?

A. That I

never give false testimony against anyone,
twist no one’s words,
not gossip or slander,
nor join in condemning anyone
rashly or without a hearing. (1)

Rather, in court and everywhere else,
I should avoid lying and deceit of every kind;

these are the very devices the devil uses,
and they would call down on me God’s intense wrath. (2)

I should love the truth,

speak it candidly,
and openly acknowledge it. (3)

And I should do what I can

to guard and advance my neighbor’s good name. (4)

1 Ps. 15; Prov. 19:5; Matt. 7:1; Luke 6:37; Rom. 1:28-32
2 Lev. 19:11-12; Prov. 12:22; 13:5; John 8:44; Rev. 21:8a>
3 1 Cor. 13:6; Eph. 4:25
4 1 Pet. 3:8-9; 4:8