You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. The ninth commandment protects the integrity of the judicial process and the reputation of persons. False witness corrupts justice at its source — the testimony on which decisions rest. Proverbs 6:16–19 lists a lying tongue and a false witness among the things the Lord detests. Matthew 26:59–61 records false witnesses being assembled against Jesus at his trial — the ninth commandment is violated in the founding injustice of the passion narrative. The prohibition extends beyond the courtroom to every context where what we say about others shapes how they are perceived and treated. Ephesians 4:25 says therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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