The Westminster Larger Catechism

Q.145. What particular sins does the ninth commandment forbid?

A. The ninth commandment forbids everything detr imental to the truth and the good reputation of others as well as our own,[1] with special reference to legal matters in the courts.[2] We must not give untrue evidence,[3] suborn perjury,[4] knowingly appear and plead on behalf of an evil cause, or engage in overbearing and boastful exaggeration.[5] We should never participate in passing an unjust sentence,[6] call evil good or good evil, or reward the wicked in a way appropriate to the righteous or the righteous in a way appropriate to the wicked.[7] Forgery is forbidden,[8] as is concealing the truth, remaining silent in a just cause,[9] and not taking it on ourselves to reprove[10] or complain to others about some wrong.[11] We must not speak the truth at an inappropriate time,[12] or maliciously to promote a wrong purpose,[13] nor pervert it into a wrong meaning,[14] into ambiguous equivocations, or in such ways as to undermine truth and justice.[15] Also forbidden are: saying anything untrue,[16] as well as lying,[17] slandering,[18] backbiting,[19] belittling,[20] gossiping,[21] whispering,[22] ridiculing,[23] reviling,[24] and expressing any kind of judgmental opinion that is rash,[25] harsh,[26] or prejudiced;[27] misconstruing intentions, words, and actions;[28] flattery[29] and ostentatious boasting;[30] thinking or speaking too highly or too poorly of ourselves or others;[31] denying the gifts of God or the effects of his grace on us;[32] exaggerating the significance of trivial faults;[33] concealing, excusing, or rationalizing our sinful behavior when we are called to confess it voluntarily;[34] gratuitously revealing the problems and failings of others;[35] spreading false rumors,[36] receiving and approving evil reports,[37] and refusing to listen to a just defense;[38] harboring evil suspicions;[39] being envious of or grieved by the deserved honors others receive,[40] trying to discredit those honors,[41] and rejoicing at someone else’s disgrace or evil reputation;[42] scornful contempt[43] and foolish admiration;[44] breaking our lawful promises;[45] and, finally, failing to promote everyone’s good name,[46] and doing, not avoiding, or not hindering in others, as we can, those things that give people a bad name.[47]

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