Ninth Commandment

"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor!" (Deuteronomy 5:20)

Surely everyone is familiar with the story when Jesus was brought before the council. The chief priests, together with the members of the council, sought evidence against Jesus so that they might put Him to death, but they found none. Although many testified against Him, their testimonies did not agree. Then some came forward and gave false testimony against Him. Jesus was condemned and crucified. Whether they testified falsely for some gain or for another reason is less important now. What matters is that for more than a millennium and a half, the Ten Commandments had already been known among the Jewish people. The chief priests and the members of the council should have known best that false testimony must not be given. Yet, without hesitation, they twisted Jesus’ words and presented false witnesses against Him.

Since then, much water has flowed down the Danube, yet people have not changed. Even though they know the ninth commandment, many still do not keep it today. If we are careless or self-seeking, we too can easily sin against this commandment.

"What does God require in the ninth commandment? That I never give false testimony against anyone, twist no one’s words, not slander or defame anyone, nor condemn anyone without a hearing. Rather, if I do not want to bring God’s wrath upon myself, I must avoid all lying and deceit as the devil’s own works. In court and in all other proceedings, I must love the truth, speak it candidly, and openly acknowledge it. And I must do what I can to defend and promote my neighbor’s honor and reputation." (HC 112) Amen.

PRAYER: Lord, please do not allow me to harm others with my words or actions, nor let others do so against me. Protect me from false speech! Amen.