Duties Toward Others
Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness
Ten Commandments · 4 verses
The ninth commandment protects truth and reputation. Originally addressing testimony in legal proceedings, it extends to all communication: lying, slander, gossip, and deception of any kind. False witness destroys reputations, perverts justice, and undermines social trust. Positively, this commandment requires truthfulness in all speech, defending others' good names, and speaking the truth in love. Satan is the father of lies; God's people must be children of truth.
Scripture References
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.”
“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.”
“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds.”
“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.”