Lord’s Day 43
Q112. What does the ninth commandment require?
That I never lie about anyone, twist anyone's words, gossip, or help condemn someone unfairly. Instead, I should avoid all lies and tricks — these are tools the devil uses, and they bring God's strong anger. I should love the truth, speak it openly, and admit it honestly. And I should do what I can to protect and build up my neighbor's good name.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Psalm 15
“[A Psalm of David.] LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. sweareth to hurt, and changeth not. putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these shall never be moved.”
Proverbs 19:5, 9
“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and speaketh lies shall not escape. A false witness shall not be unpunished, and speaketh lies shall perish.”
Proverbs 21:28
“A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.”
Leviticus 19:11–12
“Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another. And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I the LORD.”
Proverbs 12:22
“Lying lips abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly his delight.”
Proverbs 13:5
“A righteous hateth lying: but a wicked is loathsome, and cometh to shame.”
John 8:44
“Ye are of father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
Revelation 21:8
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
1 Corinthians 13:6
“Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;”
Ephesians 4:25
“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.”
1 Peter 3:8–9
“Finally, all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, pitiful, courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”
1 Peter 4:8
“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What are some of the things the ninth commandment forbids?
- 2
Why does God call lies "tools the devil uses"?
- 3
When is it hardest for you to tell the truth?
Illustration
A rumor is like a stain on a white shirt. Once it spreads, it is very hard to get out. Gossip and lies can ruin a person's reputation, and even an apology cannot always undo the damage. That is why God takes truthfulness so seriously.
Application
This week, if you hear gossip about someone, do not pass it along. Instead, say something true and kind about that person. Because God commands us to protect our neighbor's good name, your words can either build someone up or tear them down.