Q78. What is forbidden in the ninth commandment?
The ninth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to truth, or injurious to our own or our neighbour's good name.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
1 Samuel 17:28
“And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.”
Leviticus 19:16
“Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.”
Psalm 15:3
“He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.”
Commentary — Thomas Vincent (1674)
Question 1. What is more generally forbidden in the ninth commandment?
Answer. In the ninth commandment is more generally forbidden, two things, 1. Whatsoever is prejudicial to truth.
2. Whatsoever is injurious to our own, or our neighbour's good name.