To Love and Speak the Truth
In the ninth commandment the LORD requires us to love and to speak the truth. What is required in the ninth commandment? I must not give false testimony against anyone, twist no one’s words not gossip or slander, nor condemn or join in condemning anyone rashly and unheard. Rather, I must avoid all lying and deceit as the devil’s own works, under penalty of God’s heavy wrath. In court and everywhere else, I must love the truth, speak and confess it honestly, and do what I can to defend and promote my neighbor’s honor and reputation. For the Bible Tells Me So... Proverbs 21:23 — He who keeps his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble. Proverbs 26:28 — A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin. John 8:44 — The devil was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of li...
