The Ten Commandments – You Shall Not Give False Testimony Against Your Neighbor

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Speaker Notes

Deuteronomy 5:20

20 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

The Heidelberg Catechism

Question & Answer #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. 21:8
3 1 Cor. 13:6; Eph. 4:25
4 1 Pet. 3:8-9; 4:8

Mark is the Rector of Church of the Cross, Boston