61. What does God command in the ninth commandment?

I must not testify falsely against anyone, manipulate a word, slander or blaspheme and condemn anyone lightly.

Rather, I must avoid any kind of lie and act of deceit as works of the devil. In court and in all conducted business I should love the truth, speak and confess it sincerely, and save and promote my neighbour’s reputation and honour to the best of my ability.

• Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbour,” for we are members of one another. (Ephesians 4:25)
• You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people. (Leviticus 19:16)
• The devil was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. (John 8:44)