Catechism Question 64
What is the ninth commandment, and what does it teach us?
The ninth commandment is “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.” It teaches us that we must not lie or in any way deceive our neighbor, nor speak falsely about or slander our neighbor, but must speak the truth in love.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
This question focuses on the ninth commandment. In this commandment, we are told that we must not give false testimony against our neighbor. God calls His people to be honest in our words. To speak falsely about someone robs them of their reputation.
However, as with all of the other commands, more than the thing specifically mentioned (bearing false witness) is in view. It is not just lying in a legal proceeding that is in view. We are clearly prohibited from lying in any form. This includes lying to someone or lying about them. Furthermore, we are not allowed to carefully select what we say, avoiding direct lies, but distorting the truth so that the impression left is wrong.
Finally, the New Testament teaches us that we are also commanded to do the opposite of what is forbidden. We must not only avoid lying – we must positively be people who speak the truth. Our word should be trustworthy. Anything less is a distortion of the Image of God – Who can not lie and always speaks the truth to us.
Additional Questions:
What is the ninth commandment? What does it teach us?
What is the ninth commandment? What does it forbid us from doing? What does it teach us to do?
Scripture References:
Exodus 20:16
You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
Deuteronomy 5:20
You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
Leviticus 19:11
Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another.
Psalms 101:7
No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.
Proverbs 12:22
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.
Zechariah 8:16–17
“These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; 17 do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord.
1 Corinthians 6:9–11
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Ephesians 4:25
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
Ephesians 4:28
He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
Ephesians 4:14–15
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.
Questions for Further Discussion:
What does the ninth commandment teach us? What does it forbid? What does it command us to do?
Why is lying wrong? Is it simply because it misleads others, or are there other reasons that make lying evil?
Is lying under oath the only form of lying in view in this commandment? What other forms does lying take?
What is slander? Is it a violation of this commandment? Why is slander considered so evil?
Why is it important that we not only avoid all forms of lying but that we be people who speak the truth? Is it sometimes possible to lie without actually saying something?
What does it mean to speak the truth in love? How is speaking the truth in love different than just speaking the truth?
In the name of love, is it possible for us to lie? How do we determine the difference between speaking the truth in love, and in the name of love speaking falsely so as to not hurt someone?
Why is it important for Christian, Who follow the One called the Truth, to be people who speak truthfully? What does it say about God and our faith if our words can not be trusted?
Additional Information:
This question is based on questions 112 of the Heidelberg Catechism, questions 76-78 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, and question 12 of the New City Catechism. Any resources you find on the Heidelberg, Westminster Shorter, or New City Catechisms will have a good discussion on this question.
For additional information, see the teachings “The Integrity of the Wise” (December 17, 2006), “Watching Your Words” (April 28, 2019), and “Slip of the Tongue” (May 4, 2014).
Suggested Worship Song:
Speak, O Lord (Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend Copyright © 2005 Thankyou Music). (This song reminds us that God speaks truth to us. As His people we should speak truth to others as well – and God’s truth can form us to be people of the truth.)
Speak, O Lord, as we come to You
To receive the food of Your Holy Word.
Take Your truth, plant it deep in us;
Shape and fashion us in Your likeness,
That the light of Christ might be seen today
In our acts of love and our deeds of faith.
Speak, O Lord, and fulfill in us
All Your purposes for Your glory.
Teach us, Lord, full obedience,
Holy reverence, true humility;
Test our thoughts and our attitudes
In the radiance of Your purity.
Cause our faith to rise; cause our eyes to see
Your majestic love and authority.
Words of pow’r that can never fail—
Let their truth prevail over unbelief.
Speak, O Lord, and renew our minds;
Help us grasp the heights of Your plans for us—
Truths unchanged from the dawn of time
That will echo down through eternity.
And by grace we’ll stand on Your promises,
And by faith we’ll walk as You walk with us.
Speak, O Lord, till Your church is built
And the earth is filled with Your glory.