I promise to tell

...the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God!

With one hand on the Bible, the other raised to God, that's how we give witness in the legal world. Yet even after doing all this, so very often we find that one lie after another slips effortlessly from the lips!

The 9th Commandment:

"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour." (Exodus 20:16)

'Words' are powerful, and the tongue is the sharpest of swords, so wield it wisely, or else, keep your mouth shut! For by our tongue we build people up and we cut them down!

What this commandment requires from us is 'Truth-telling' right from the getgo!

1. Give honest testimony in legal settings, where words have real consequences!
2. Uphold the integrity of truth in all of life's contexts
3. Protect the reputations of others by only speaking truthful words

Go Beyond "Not Lying" and refrain from 'intentional' deception
Avoid telling 'half-truths', because they're just lies, that make statements that deliberatly mislead!
Resist the temptation to add a 'tiny bit' or 'omit' a crucial bit!
We need to remember that there can be dire consequences attached to what we say, so guard your tongue against spreading gossip. Run from the words of others that begin 'you'll never believe, or guess what I heard! statements', for they contain slanderours lies that defame anothers name!

How do we apply this to our lives?

Personal Integrity
1. Speak truth even when it's inconvenient to do so!
2. Maintain honesty in professional situations
3. Remember also, authenticity in personal relationships builds love and trust.

Social Implications
There can be permanent 'social costs' attached to deception in online communities. For 'misinformation' is a juicy morsel that goes 'viral' as it spreads far and wide in thedigital realm! The harm that's caused to the innocent can never be undone even when lies are exposed, simply because the harm turns back to attack the lie spreader! So beware!

Going Deeper into Truth

The 9th commandment goes far beyond courtroom testimony, to encompass everything we say. It challenges us to consider not just 'what we say', but 'what we don't say', i.e. the truths we withhold, the half-truths that we allow to stand as absolute truths!

God calls us to 'Deeper Truthfulness'
By speaking truth with compassion, i.e. by balancing truth and kindness.
All of us need to recognise truth as the foundation stone for justice and healthy relationships. Remember our Lord Jesus said in John 14:6️

‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me

The 9th commandment ultimately points us toward a society built on trust, integrity, and the courage to embrace reality, even when it's uncomfortable. It's not just about avoiding lies, but actively bearing true witness to the reality we're in, just as we've been commanded. By doing this we stand on the firmest of foundations, namely, Jesus Christ our Lord!

Over the coming days, remain upright with Him by your side, God bless,

Trev.