The Ten Commandments, stand as a monumental and foundational text, not just for the Israelites at Mount Sinai, but for all who seek to understand God's will and live a righteous life. More than a simple list of "dos and don'ts," these commandments are a divine blueprint for flourishing human existence—they detail how we are to rightly relate to our Creator and how we are to rightly relate to one another. As we embark on this study, we are invited to look beyond the surface rules and engage in the continuous process of self-reflection and alignment with God's guidance. Our goal is to uncover the deep wisdom, the sacrificial love, and the enduring relevance of these ten statements, allowing them to shape a stronger, more Christ-centered foundation in our own faith and priorities.
This session is centered around the ninth commandment Exodus 20:16 NIV You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
The Ninth Commandment is often simplified to "don’t lie." While accurate, the biblical scope is much deeper. It focuses on the protection of reputation, the integrity of justice, and the reflection of God’s character through our words. In a world of "alternative truths" and digital gossip, this commandment is a call to be people of radical integrity.
Exodus 20:3 NIV You shall have no other gods before me.
the second commandment.
Exodus 20:4-6 NIV [4] “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. [5] You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, [6] but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
This commandment addresses two critical aspects of worship: the method and the motive.
the third Commandment,
Exodus 20:7 NIV “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
The core idea of treating God's name as empty, false, worthless, or meaningless applies to how we speak about Him, how we make promises in His presence, and how we live our lives as His representatives.
The Fourth Commandment
Exodus 20:8-11 (NIV) “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”
"The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath"
The Fifth Commandment, "Honor your father and your mother," is unique among the Ten Commandments as it is the only one that comes with a specific promise
Exodus 20:12 NIV “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
It establishes the fundamental principle of respect for authority and order within the family—the basic unit of society.
The Sixth Commandment
Exodus 20:13 NIV “You shall not murder.
While it is one of the shortest verses in the Bible, its implications reach deep into the human heart, our social structures, and our walk with God.
God looks at the heart. Murder is the physical fruit of a heart full of hate, pride, or greed.
The Seventh Commandment
Exodus 20:14 NIV You shall not commit adultery.
The Seventh Commandment is often viewed as a "marriage rule," but in God’s eyes, it is a Commandment of Faithfulness. It protects the purity of our bodies, the sincerity of our worship, and the integrity of our promises.
In Scripture, God describes His relationship with His people as a marriage. When we turn to idols—money, career, or self-worship—we are being "unfaithful" to our Creator.
Isaiah 54:5 NIV For your Maker is your husband— the Lord Almighty is his name— the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.
"Thou Shalt Not Steal" (Exodus 20:15)
Exodus 20:15 NIV You shall not steal.
How we handle resources is a direct reflection of our faith. Moving us from a mindset of "taking" to a life of "stewardship."
Exodus 20:16 NIV You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
The Ninth Commandment is often simplified to "don’t lie." While accurate, the biblical scope is much deeper. It focuses on the protection of reputation, the integrity of justice, and the reflection of God’s character through our words. In a world of "alternative truths" and digital gossip, this commandment is a call to be people of radical integrity.
The 9th Commandment appears twice in the Torah, establishing the legal and social framework for the people of God.
Exodus 20:16: "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor."
Deuteronomy 5:20: "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor."
The Context: In ancient Israel, a person’s life or property depended on the testimony of witnesses. To lie in court was not just a "white lie"—it was an act of violence that could lead to the wrongful death or ruin of an innocent person. The most comprehensive statement of the rule is
Deuteronomy 19:15 NIV One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of any crime or offense they may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
With regard to capital punishment and the requirement
Deuteronomy 17:6 NIV On the testimony of two or three witnesses a person is to be put to death, but no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.
Numbers 35:30 NIV “ ‘Anyone who kills a person is to be put to death as a murderer only on the testimony of witnesses. But no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.
There are instances in the New Testament too about needing more than one witness to verify something.
Matthew 18:15-17 NIV [15] “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. [16] But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ [17] If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
Jesus used the Mosaic law about witnesses to defend His ministry.
John 8:17-18 NIV [17] In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. [18] I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.”
Jesus is engaged in a heated debate with the Pharisees during the Feast of Tabernacles. He is using a "legal" argument to validate his identity and his mission.
Under Mosaic Law, a single person’s testimony was legally insufficient to establish a fact or convict a person. To make a claim "true" in a courtroom setting, you needed at least two independent sources.
The Pharisees had just challenged him in verse 13,
John 8:13 NIV The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not
Jesus responds by essentially saying, "Fine, let’s use your legal standards."
Jesus identifies the two witnesses required by the Law to prove who he is:
Witness #1: Jesus Himself. He testifies through his words, his sinless life, and his "signs" (miracles).
Witness #2: God the Father. Jesus claims that the Father confirms his identity. In the Gospel of John, this "testimony" from the Father usually refers to:
The miracles God performed through Jesus.
The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
The voice from heaven at his baptism.
Matthew 3:16-17 NIV [16] As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. [17] And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
2. God’s Nature vs. The Source of Lies
To understand why God hates "false testimony," we must look at His nature versus the nature of the enemy.
God is Truth:
Numbers 23:19 NIV God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
John 14:6 NIV Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
The Origin of Deceit: Jesus identifies the source of falsehood in
John 8:44 NIV You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Reflection: Every time we speak the truth, we align ourselves with God. Every time we deceive, we align ourselves with the enemy.
3. Expanding the Definition: Beyond the Courtroom
Scripture expands the 9th commandment beyond legal testimony to include our daily speech, gossip, and even our silence when the truth needs to be spoken.
A. Slander and Gossip
Leviticus 19:16 NIV “ ‘Do not go about spreading slander among your people. “ ‘Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the Lord.
This verse is fascinating because it connects "spreading slander" directly to "endangering your neighbor’s life." In the original Hebrew, the second half of the verse literally translates to "Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor."
In a community governed by the "two witnesses" rule, a slanderer isn't just being mean—they are potentially committing perjury. If you spread a false report, you could influence a legal assembly to execute an innocent person.
Aspect: This command implies that if you know someone is being slandered or is in danger, and you stay silent, you are complicit.
It ends with "I am the Lord." This serves as a "signature" on the law, reminding the reader that even if human judges don't catch the slanderer, God is the ultimate witness to the truth.
Proverbs 16:28 NIV A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
While Leviticus focuses on the legal and physical danger of slander, Proverbs focuses on the relational and social destruction of gossip.
The "Perverse" Person: The word "perverse" here refers to someone who is "twisted" or "crooked." They don't just happen upon gossip; they actively stir up conflict because they enjoy the chaos.
The Mechanism of Separation: The verse notes that gossip "separates close friends." The Hebrew word for "close friend" (allup) refers to a confidant or a best friend—the highest tier of trust.
The "Whisperer" Effect: Many translations use the word "whisperer" instead of "gossip."
Proverbs 16:28 NKJV A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends.
This highlights the secretive nature of the act. Gossip is often shared under the guise of "confidentiality," which is exactly what creates a wedge between friends who used to trust one another.
Though often used interchangeably, the Bible treats them with slightly different nuances:
B. The Seven Things God Hates
Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV [16] There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: [17] haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, [18] a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, [19] a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.
Among the seven things the Lord detests are "a lying tongue" and "a false witness who pours out lies." It is significant that lying is mentioned twice in this short list.
The Lying Tongue (The Character)
Verse 17 mentions a "lying tongue." This refers to the nature of the person.
It is a personal, internal choice to reject truth.
A lying tongue distorts reality to protect the self, gain an advantage, or hide a sin.
It is listed right after "haughty eyes" (pride) because we usually lie to maintain an image of ourselves that isn't true.
The False Witness (The Consequence)
Verse 19 mentions a "false witness who pours out lies." This refers to the social and legal impact.
While a "lying tongue" might happen in private, a "false witness" acts in the public square or a courtroom.
This goes back to the two witnesses rule we discussed. If the entire system of justice relies on honest testimony, a false witness poisons the well of justice for everyone.
The phrase "pours out" suggests a relentless, systematic effort to destroy someone else’s life or reputation through perjury.
C. Deceptive Flattery and Hypocrisy
Psalms 12:2 NIV Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts.
This describes a specific kind of dishonesty that is far more dangerous than a simple mistake: the "Double Heart."
The word for flattery here in Hebrew implies "smoothness."
It describes words that are polished, pleasant, and easy to swallow.
This is the "slander" or "gossip" we discussed earlier, but dressed up in a tuxedo.
Flattery is a tool of manipulation; it tells the listener what they want to hear so the speaker can get what they want to have.
2. The Reality: "Deception in their hearts"
The literal Hebrew phrase used here is "with a heart and a heart" (be-leb wa-leb).
It means a double heart.
The person has one heart for public display (the smooth, flattering one) and a second heart where the real agenda is hidden.
4. The New Testament Standard
Jesus and the Apostles raised the bar. It isn't just about avoiding a "false oath"; it’s about a heart so honest that oaths aren't even necessary.
Matthew 5:33-37 NIV[33] “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ [34] But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; [35] or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. [36] And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. [37] All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
Ephesians 4:25 NIV Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
Colossians 3:9-10 NIV [9] Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices [10] and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
5. Application: Living the 9th Commandment Today
Check the Source: Before sharing "news" or a "prayer request" about someone else, ask: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?
Protect Reputations: The 9th commandment isn't just about not lying about people; it’s about being a person who defends the truth when others are being slandered.
Self-Reflection: Are we using "technical truths" to deceive? (Telling the truth in a way that intentionally leads someone to the wrong conclusion).
Discussion Question 1
"Why do you think God placed 'false testimony' in the Top 10 alongside murder and adultery?"
The "Life and Death" Connection: In the ancient world (and today), a false witness could literally end a life. Whether it’s a false accusation in court or destroying someone’s reputation through slander, the result is the death of a person’s future, livelihood, or social standing.
The Character of the Community: Murder destroys a person; adultery destroys a family; false testimony destroys the entire community’s ability to trust. God is building a "Kingdom of Truth," and deception is the "leaven" that ruins the whole batch.
A Direct Attack on God’s Image: Since God is Truth, lying is a direct "anti-God" activity. It is a refusal to reflect His image to the world.
Discussion Question 2
"How does social media make it easier to break the 9th commandment today?"
The "Share" Button vs. The Truth: We often "bear false witness" by sharing articles or rumors without verifying them. If we share something false about a person or group, we have given false testimony to our entire "neighbor" list.
The Shield of the Screen: It is much easier to dehumanize someone behind a keyboard. We say things about "neighbors" online that we would never say to their face, often exaggerating or stripping away context to make a point.
The Echo Chamber: We are tempted to lie or "spin" the truth to gain likes and approval.
Exodus 23:2-3 NIV[2] “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd, [3] and do not show favoritism to a poor person in a lawsuit.
Discussion Question 3
"Read James 3:5-10. How does the 'tongue' act as a rudder for our entire spiritual life?"
James 3:5-10 NIV [5] Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. [6] The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. [7] All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, [8] but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. [9] With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. [10] Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
A few weeks ago I preached a sermon about the things that are truly Christian that are evidence that a person is for real as a Christian and one of those things was a controlled tongue.
Just as a small rudder directs a massive ship, our words set the trajectory of our lives. If we permit ourselves to lie "just a little," we eventually lose our moral compass entirely.
James points out the hypocrisy of "blessing the Lord" and "cursing men." If our priorities are aligned with God's will, our speech should be consistent. We cannot claim to love God while using our "tongues" to tear down those made in His likeness.
Our words are the "fruit" of the heart. If we find ourselves lying or gossiping, it’s a diagnostic tool showing us that we have an internal priority—perhaps a need for approval or a fear of consequences—that has taken the place of God.
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