Heidelberg Catechism

Method of Instruction in the Christian Religion
As the Same is Taught in the Reformed Churches and Schools

Lord's Days
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Lord's Day 43

Question 112

What is required in the ninth commandment?

Answer

That I bear false witness against no man, (a) nor falsify any man's words; (b) that I be no backbiter, nor slanderer; (c) that I do not judge, nor join in condemning any man rashly, or unheard; (d) but that I avoid all sorts of lies and deceit, as the proper works of the devil, (e) unless I would bring down upon me the heavy wrath of God; (f) likewise, that in judgment and all other dealings I love the truth, speak it uprightly and confess it; (g) also that I defend and promote, as much as I am able, the honor and good character of my neighbour. (h)

(a)

Prov. 19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. Prov. 19:9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish. Prov. 21:28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.

(b)

Ps. 15:3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. Ps. 50:19 Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit. Ps. 50:20 Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son.

(c)

Rom. 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Rom. 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

(d)

Matt. 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. Matt. 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

(e)

John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

(f)

Prov. 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. Prov. 13:5 A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.

(g)

1 Cor. 13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Eph. 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

(h)

1 Pet. 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.