WLC 143
Westminster Larger Catechism
Q143. Which is the ninth commandment?
The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
Proof texts
- Ex. 20:16 — [16] “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Ex. 20:16 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- HC Q92 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- The Assembly divided over this: Justification and the Antinomian Crisis. How do you secure sola fide without letting the law fall away? What turns on the answer?
Read alongside
Leader's notes
A Body of Divinity (Thomas Ridgley): Quest. CXLIII., CXLIV., CXLV. QUEST. CXLIII. What is the ninth Commandment? ANSW. The ninth Commandment is, [Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.] QUEST. CXLIV. What are the duties required in the ninth Commandment? ANSW. The duties required in the ninth Commandment are, the preserving and promoting of truth between man and man, and the good name of our neighbour as well as our own. Appearing, and standing for, and from the heart, sincerely, freely, clearly, and fully, speaking the truth, and only the truth, in matters of judgment and justice, and in all other things whatsoever; a charitable esteem of our neighbours; loving, desiring, and rejoicing in their good name, sorrowing for, and covering of their infirmities…