Ten Commandments (1972)_b.pdf - Herbert W. Armstrong

The Ninth Commandment 125
tually be "converted" to the true God and His ways!
But a man whose word is no good, who is in the habit
of LYING to others and to himself - that man's very
character and mental processes are so TWISTED and PER­
VERTED that he can NEVER come to understand even the
truth of God until his mind is literally "cleaned up"!
That is why it is so VITALLY important that - even
though among humans there may be honest differences of
opinion on many matters - we all learn to live and speak
TRUTHFULLY.
Yet, we are living in a society which is increasingly
permeated by various forms of untruth, hypocrisy and
self-deception. If we are ever to build the character of God
- and inherit eternal life - we must consider the ninth
commandment in all of its ramifications - and learn to
OBEY it.
The Danger of False Testimony
The ninth commandment protects every upright and
decent man in that it helps guard his reputation. Perhaps
there is no more despicable sin than that of slander, the lie
invented and spread abroad with intent to harm one's
fellowman.
A thief takes only material goods, which may usually
be replaced. But a false witness who slanders may rob one
of esteem and reputation in the eyes of his fellowmen ­
and the chances make it difficult for it ever to be fully
regained.
The aggressive nature of man makes him the most
guilty party in countless outward acts of sin. But one of
the most common and degrading sins among women is
that of spreading gossip and slander. How many lives,
homes and careers are wrecked by this vile practice is
known to God alone.
The Apostle James was inspired to warn against this
careless use of the tongue: "And the tongue is a fire, a
world of iniquity: so is the. tongue among our members,
that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the
course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell" (James 3:6).
The first and basic application of the command is