The 9th Commandment: “You Shall Not Give False Testimony”

<Ex 20:16> “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”

Rationale behind the ninth commandment.

1) Relates to God’s command to LOVE our neighbours.

• Love: Desiring the greatest good of others.
• False testimony: Hurt the person being talked about, the hearers, as well as ourselves.
• God is concerned not only about an individual’s wellbeing, but that of the community.
• God’s commands always seek to protect His people and His glory.
• The ninth commandment protects the good name and wellbeing of our neighbours.

2) The importance of “TRUTH” to the God of truth.

• Jesus is the “truth”, the Holy Spirit is “Spirit of truth”, and one key attribute of God is truth-telling and acting by the truth <Jn 14:6, 17; 16:13; Ro 3:4; Titus 1:2>.
• As people who imitate God, we should not be deceitful in our testimonies too.
• On the contrary, if we lie or are dishonest, then we resemble the devil <Jn 8:44>.

3) Underlying foundation of the entire Ten Commandments: “I am the LORD your God.” <Ex 20:2>

What the ninth commandment forbids and promotes?

• Courtroom setting, where false testimony is forbidden.
• But it’s beyond that.

Heidelberg Catechism, Q112. What is God’s will for you in the ninth commandment?

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.

Rather, I should avoid, under penalty of God’s wrath,
every kind of lying and deceit as the very works of the devil and, in court and everywhere else, I should love the truth, speak it candidly, and openly acknowledge it.
And I should do what I can to defend and advance my neighbor’s honor and reputation.

Not-to-dos:

• Twist anyone’s words (misrepresent any person or situation).
  • To accurately represent the full truth, avoid exaggeration, flattery, ambiguity, etc.
• Gossip
  • A sin that is easily overlooked.
  • May even include spreading true reports, but when it is unnecessary to do so.
  • Will the person be happy if he finds out that I’d been sharing this information about him?

• • Will sharing this information benefit the person?
  • Guard against using gossip as a means to build intimacy with others.
  • <Mt 12, ESV> 36 I tell you,on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
• Slander 
  • Saying something that is false.
  • Cast doubts on people’s character, assume the worst of their motives.
• Join in condemning anyone rashly or without a hearing.
  • Secular justice system: “innocent until proven guilty”.
  • Do not jump to conclusion without hearing all parties fairly.
  • <1 Co 4:5> Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.
  • Discourage gossipers and slanderers by being unwilling to listen to them.

To-dos:

• “Love the truth, speak it candidly, and openly acknowledge it”.
  • Ensure what we say or spread is indeed the truth.
  • Do not become accidental false witnesses, or propagators of half-truths.
  • <Acts 17:11> Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica,for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
  • In this age, besides our mouths, also be careful with what we spread online and through electronic texts.
  • Speak the truth in love <Ep 4:15>.
  • Share the most important truth – gospel of Christ.
  • Openly acknowledge, rather than hide the truth:
  • Lev 5:1 “‘If anyone sins because they do not speak up when they hear a public charge to testify regarding something they have seen or learned about, they will be held responsible.
• “Defend and advance my neighbor’s honor and reputation”.

Turn to Christ for strength to obey the ninth commandment.

• • Jesus died for the sins of our tongue and false testimonies, so that we can be forgiven.
  • When we are regenerated and the Spirit of truth dwells in us, the power of the father of lies – the devil, is shattered in our lives.
  • Jesus said:
  • “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” <Jn 8:31-32>
  • “…the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” <Jn 18:37>