False Testimony

You shall not give false testimony about your neighbour.
Exodus 20:16

This commandment is often interpreted as “thou shalt not lie,” and it is true that the Lord is no fan of falsehood.

Yet the ninth commandment deals specifically with lies about a neighbour.
Proverbs 26:28 helps us to understand how both bring harm: “A lying tongue hates those crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin.” Often these go hand in hand as one person is flattering to their neighbour’s face and then tears him or her down behind his back.
So much damage can be inflicted by such a small part of our body ( James 3:3-6). Lies destroy careers, churches, families, marriages and reputations.
Avoid words that seek to do harm so that you may stay in the spirit of this commandment. It is better to keep our mouths quiet than stumble into…