On the Ninth Commandment.

Chapter 11

1597. What is forbidden by the ninth commandment?

2False witness against our neighbor, and all lying.

3598. What is forbidden under the words false witness?

41. False witness in a court of justice; when men bear witness, inform, or complain falsely against any one.

52. False witness out of court, when men slander any one behind his back, or blame him to his face unjustly.

6599. But is it allowable to censure others when they are really to blame?

7No; the Gospel does not allow us to judge even of the real vices or faults of our neighbors, unless we are called by any special office to do so, for their punishment or amendment.

8Judge not, that ye be not judged. Matt. vii. 1 .

9600. Are not such lies allowable as involve no purpose of hurting our neighbor?

10No; for they are inconsistent with love and respect for our neighbor, and unworthy of a man, much more of a Christian, who has been created for truth and love.

11Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor; for we are members one of another. Eph. iv. 25 .

12601. If we would avoid sins against the ninth commandment, what rule must we follow?

13We must bridle our tongue. He that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak, no guile. 1 Pet. iii. 10 . If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. James i. 26 .