Q77. What does the ninth commandment require?
The ninth commandment requires us to tell the truth, protect our own and our neighbor’s good name, and especially to be truthful when we are a witness.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Zechariah 8:16
“These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:”
3 John 1:12
“Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.”
Proverbs 14:5, 25
“A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. … A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What three things does the ninth commandment require of us?
- 2
What does it mean to protect your neighbor’s good name?
- 3
How would you feel if someone said untrue things about you to your classmates?
Illustration
When someone at lunch says something mean about a kid who is not there, you have a choice. You can agree with the gossip, stay quiet, or say something kind about that person. Protecting someone’s good name means speaking up for them when they cannot speak for themselves.
Application
Because God has given you a good name in Christ, you can protect other people’s names too. This week, if you hear someone saying unkind things about another person, say one true and kind thing about them.