Q77. What is required in the ninth commandment?
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.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Zechariah 8:16
“These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:”
3 John 1:12
“Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.”
Proverbs 14:5, 25
“A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. … A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.”
Commentary — Thomas Vincent (1674)
Question 1. Wherein doth this ninth commandment differ from the sixth, seventh and eighth commandments?
Answer. 1. This ninth commandment doth differ from the sixth, seventh and eighth commandments, in that the sixth commandment doth respect our own and our neighbour's life; the seventh commandment doth respect our own and our neighbour's chastity; the eighth commandment doth respect our own and our neighbour's wealth and outward estate; but this ninth commandment doth respect our own and our neighbour's good name.
Question 2. What is more generally required in the ninth commandment?