28And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind and to things that should not be done. 29They were filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, covetousness, malice. Full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, craftiness, they are gossips, 30slanderers, God-haters, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, rebellious toward parents, 31foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32They know God’s decree, that those who practice such things deserve to die—yet they not only do them but even applaud others who practice them. (Romans 1:28-32)
Thoughts: "Thou shalt not bear false witness" or "You shall not lie." What a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive. Lying affects many things- breaking promises, cover-ups, slander and gossip. The reason to speak the truth is God is true- and wants our words to match reality as close as possible. We are not only called not to lie- but we are called to "love the truth."
Prayer; Lord, let me be a person of integrity and honesty.
Q & A 112
Q. What is the aim of the ninth commandment?
A. That I never give false testimony against anyone, twist no one’s words, not gossip or slander, nor join in condemning anyone rashly or without a hearing.1 Rather, in court and everywhere else, I should avoid lying and deceit of every kind; these are the very devices the devil uses, and they would call down on me God’s intense wrath.2 I should love the truth, speak it candidly, and openly acknowledge it.3 And I should do what I can to guard and advance my neighbor’s good name.4
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