Lesson #76–78—The Ninth Commandment

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Shorter Catechism Q & A # 76 (Memorize)

Q. Which is the ninth commandment?

A. The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Exodus 20:16

What does it mean?

What does it mean to “bear false witness”? It is one who testifies openly, as with a shout, deceitfully witnessing about another’s character, activities, etc. “The tongue which at first was made to be an organ of God’s praise, is now become an instrument of unrighteousness. This commandment binds the tongue to its good behaviour. God has set two natural fences to keep in the tongue, the teeth and lips; and this commandment is a third fence set about it, that it should not break forth into evil” (Thomas Watson).

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Shorter Catechism Q & A # 77 (Memorize)

Q. What is required in the ninth commandment?

A. The ninth commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man, and of our own and our neighbour’s good name, especially in witness-bearing.

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Shorter Catechism Q & A # 78 (Memorize)

Q. What is forbidden in the ninth commandment?

A. The ninth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to truth, or injurious to our own or our neighbour’s good name.

What is our practice?

How does knowing the nature of false witnessing help us to be honest in our witness? Note the reaching of false witness in the following verses:

• Zech. 8:16 (Exercise the Truth)
• 3 John 12 (True Witness)
• Prov. 15:5, 25 (Deliverance or Captivity)
• 1 Sam. 17:18 (Pride)
• Ps. 15:3 (Doeth Evil)

Quotes for thought and discussion:

Matthew Henry wrote: “Is it our duty to govern our tongues? Yes: I said, I will take heed to my ways that I sin not with my tongue, Ps. 39:1. Is he a good Christian that does not? No: for if any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, that man’s religion is vain, James 1:26. Must we therefore pray to God to keep us from tongue-sins? Yes: Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, Ps. 141:3. Is it our duty to speak truth? Yes: Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour, Zech. 8:16. Is there good reason for it? Yes: for we are members one of another, Eph. 4:25. And is this the character of a good man? Yes: that he speaketh the truth in his heart, Ps. 15:2. Are all truths to be spoken at all times: No: for there is a time to keep silence, and a time to speak, Eccl. 3:7. But may an untruth be spoken at any time? No: for God’s people are children that will not lie, Isa. 63:8.”

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