Q.76. Which is the ninth commandment?

A. The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.[m]

[m] Exod. 20:16.

Q.77. What is required in the ninth commandment?

A. The ninth commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man,[n] and of our own and our neighbour’s good name,[o] especially in witness-bearing.[p]

[n] Zech. 8:16.

[o] 3 John 12.

[p] Prov. 14:5,25.

We are here taught,

1. That we must at all times speak and maintain the truth.

2. That we must endeavour to promote the truth.

3. That we must endeavour to preserve our own good name.

4. That we must endeavour to preserve our neighbour’s good name.

5. That we are required in a special manner to speak truth in witness bearing.

Q.78. What is forbidden in the ninth commandment?

A. The ninth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to truth, or injurious to our own or our neighbour’s good name.[q]

[q] 1 Sam. 17:28. Lev. 19:16. Ps. 15:3.

We are here taught,

1. That we are forbidden to do any thing which is prejudicial to truth.

2. That we are forbidden to do any thing which is injurious to our own good name.

3. That we are forbidden to do any thing which may be injurious to our neighbour’s good name.