For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
So far:
- We have dissected 4 God-directed commandments and 4 others-directed commandments.
- Today we look at the fourth of a series of 4 short commandments, bedrock principles in all stable societies.
- Of course we're not trying to recreate human culture at the level of a lowest common denominator.
- God's people are called to go far beyond the minimum: we are to be holy (Exodus 19:6; Deuteronomy 7:6).
Text
- The 9th commandment
- Exodus 20:16: You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
Comments
- Forensic setting (Exodus 23:1-3; see also the bogus suit against Naboth in 1 Kings 21).
- This is not a mere demand for technical truthfulness
- The Lord calls us to live with character (Psalm 15:1-3).
- He calls us to mirror his own holiness (Leviticus 11:44, 19:1).
Extension of the principle
- Original context
- Going along with the jury (Exodus 23), whether on account of peer pressure, apathy, revenge, or prejudice
- We can only be certain our broader applications of biblical principles are fair when we have established the meaning of the passage through studying its original context.
- Other ways we hurt others through our words
- Generating, spreading, or in any way further rumors
- Much popular-level political discourse is deeply flawed and prejudiced. Do we take part in bearing such "witness" against our fellow man?
- Gossip -- even if it's not incorrect or slanderous, this may harm our neighbor (Romans 13:9-11).
- Misrepresentation
- Failing to checking sources
- Broadening the principle even further:
- Lying
- Transparency in business ethics
- Shading the truth
- Excuse-making (when it's invalid or a cover-up for sin)
Conclusion
- The commandments are not a list of minimum behaviors expected.
- Rather, each commandment calls us to live lives of character, reflecting God's own holiness.