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Heidelberg Catechism – Lord’s Day 43

Q & A 112
Q. What is God’s will for you in the ninth commandment? [You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.]
A. God’s will is that I never give false testimony against anyone, twist no one’s words, not gossip or slander, nor join in condemning anyone without a hearing or without a just cause.*1
Rather, in court and everywhere else, I should avoid lying and deceit of every kind; these are devices the devil himself uses, and they would call down on me God’s intense anger.*2
I should love the truth, speak it candidly, and openly acknowledge it.*3
And I should do what I can to guard and advance my neighbor’s good name.*4
*1 Ps. 15; Prov. 19:5; Matt. 7:1; Luke 6:37; Rom. 1:28-32
*2 Lev. 19:11-12; Prov. 12:22; 13:5; John 8:44; Rev. 21:8
*3 1 Cor. 13:6; Eph. 4:25
*4 1 Pet. 3:8-9; 4:8