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The Baptist Catechism

Question 82

    What is required in the ninth commandment?

    The ninth commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man,a and of our own and our neighbour’s good name,b especially in witness bearing.c

    1. aZechariah 8:16
    2. bJohn 5:12
    3. cProverbs 14:5, 25
    Beddome's Scriptural Exposition 27 questions answered from Scripture

    1. Should we endeavour to get a good name? Yes.

      “If there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things” Philippians 4:8

    2. And to keep it? Yes.

      “For a little folly disgraceth him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour” Ecclesiastes 10:1

    3. May we for this purpose vindicate our character when aspersed? Yes.

      “My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go.” Job 27:6

    4. And speak modestly in our own commendation? Yes.

      “In nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I am nothing” 2 Corinthians 12:11

    1. Is a good name an honour to God? Yes.

      “On your part he is glorified” 1 Peter 4:14

    2. And a credit to religion? Yes.

      “We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you” Zechariah 8:23

    3. And a comfort to ourselves? Yes.

      “For a good report maketh the bones fat” Proverbs 15:30

    4. But do all enjoy this blessing who deserve it? No.

      “For I heard the defaming of many” Jeremiah 20:10

    1. Should we be tender of others’ good name as well as our own? Yes.

      “We also bear record” 3 John 12

    2. Should we for this purpose cover their faults? Yes.

      “He that covereth transgression seeketh love” Proverbs 17:9

    3. And be secret in our reproofs? Yes.

      “Tell him between him and thee alone” Matthew 18:15

    4. Should we put the best construction on their actions? Yes.

      “Charity thinketh no evil” 1 Corinthians 13:5

    5. And discourage backbiting and detraction? Yes.

      “We must with an angry countenance drive away a backbiting tongue” Proverbs 25:23

    6. Should we also vindicate them from unjust aspersions? Yes.

      “Let not the king sin against David, because his works have been to thee-ward very good” 1 Samuel 19:4

    7. And joyfully receive all reports to their advantage? Yes.

      “I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee” 3 John 3

    8. And will a regard to others’ good name be the best security to our own? Yes.

      “For with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again” Matthew 7:2

    1. Is it our duty to speak the truth? Yes.

      “Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour” Zechariah 8:16

    2. And when called thereto the whole truth? Yes.

      “Samuel told Eli every whit, and hid nothing from him” 1 Samuel 3:18

    3. And nothing but the truth? Yes.

      “Surely they are my people, children that will not lie” Isaiah 63:8

    4. Should truth be observed in our common conversation? Yes.

      “Lie not one to another” Colossians 3:9

    5. And in our promise and engagements? Yes.

      “Better it is that thou shouldst not vow, than vow and not pay” Ecclesiastes 5:5

    6. But especially in witness-bearing? Yes.

      “For a true witness delivereth souls” Proverbs 14:25

    1. In order to speak the truth should we think before we speak? Yes.

      “Whatsoever things are true, think on these things” Philippians 4:8

    2. And accustom ourselves to a sober way of speaking? Yes.

      “I speak the words of truth and soberness” Acts 26:25

    3. And be careful of rash promises? Yes.

      “Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin, neither say thou before the angel, it was an error” Ecclesiastes 5:6

    4. And endeavour to overcome the fear of man? Yes.

      “Whom hast thou feared that thou hast lied?” Isaiah 57:11

    5. And not do any thing that we should be ashamed to own? No.

      “As Sarah, who first laughed, and then denied it, saying, I laughed not” Genesis 18:15

    Benjamin Beddome (1717–1795), pastor at Bourton-on-the-Water. Verses from the King James Version.

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