The Ninth Commandment: “Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness Against Thy Neighbour”

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The Ninth Commandment: “Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness Against Thy Neighbour”  (Exodus 20:16 KJV).

Words have power. They can heal, or they can harm. As a counselor, I often see relationships broken not by actions, but by words—lies, gossip, exaggeration, and silence when truth is needed. The Ninth Commandment protects truth, trust, and reputation.

The Ninth Commandment requires us to maintain and promote truth between people, and to protect our neighbor’s good name. God cares deeply about truth because He Himself is truth.

 

 

What the Ninth Commandment Means

The Bible says, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour” (Exodus 20:16 KJV).

This commandment includes:

Not lying

Not spreading rumors or gossip

Not exaggerating facts

Speaking truth with love

Defending others when false words are spoken

False witness harms people even when no physical damage is done.

 

 

Why This Commandment Matters Today

Today, false witness spreads quickly—especially through social media, text messages, and assumptions. Psychology shows that gossip creates division, anxiety, and mistrust.

Many people justify false witness by saying:

“I was just venting.”

“It’s probably true.”

“They deserved it.”

God calls people higher. Truth protects community and conscience.

 

A Bible Story: Naboth’s Vineyard

In 1 Kings 21, Queen Jezebel arranged false witnesses to accuse Naboth so King Ahab could take his vineyard. Lies led to Naboth’s death, and God judged Ahab’s house.

This story shows that false witness destroys lives and invites God’s judgment.

 

A Real-Life Counseling Story

I once counseled a woman whose reputation was damaged by rumors at work. Though innocent, she suffered stress and fear. Over time, the truth came out—but the damage lingered.

This experience shows why God protects reputation. Words can wound deeply.

 

What Obeying the Ninth Commandment Looks Like

Obedience includes:

Speaking truth carefully

Refusing to spread gossip

Asking questions instead of assuming

Defending truth when lies are spoken

Truth builds trust. Lies destroy it.

 

How This Commandment Heals Communities

As a counselor, I see peace return when people stop speaking behind backs and start speaking honestly. Truth creates safety.

God’s command teaches responsibility for our words.

Grace for Those Who Have Spoken Wrongly

Many people regret words spoken in anger or carelessness. God offers forgiveness when we repent and seek to restore what was harmed.

 

 ✔️Reflection Question

Are there ways your words—or silence—could be harming truth or another person’s reputation?

 

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A CALL TO SALVATION:

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Romans 10:9-10⁹That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. ¹⁰For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.

 John 3:5-6⁵Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. ⁶That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. ⁷