symbolics.dev

An Explicatory Catechism

Question 78

On Westminster Shorter Catechism (1647) Q. 78

API: GET /api/v1/documents/explicatory1675/entries/78

What is forbidden in the ninth Commandment?

The ninth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to Truth, or injurious to our own or our Neighbours good Name.

What sins are forbidden in this Commandment?

Lying, Equivocating, mental reservation,a and unseasonable profession of the truth.b

How are lies usually distinguished?

Into three sorts Merry, Officious, Pernicious Lies.

What are Merry Lies?

Such as are spoken only to delight others and make sport.

What are Officious Lies?

Such as are spoken either for our own, or our Neighbours profit; and do not hurt any man.c

But what is the sin chiefly forbidden in this Commandment?

The giving of false Testimonies, which are pernicious to our Neighbours Life, Goods and good Name.d

How are the aforesaid sins here forbidden?

As they are prejudicial to truth.

What other sins are there forbidden in this Commandment?

Back biting, slandering, and the taking up a reproach against our Neighbour,e going up and down as a Talebearer,f bitterness and evil-speaking, which is Tongue-Persecution,g the rash censuring of others,h and putting bad constructions on their words andi actions, and the procuring to ourselves an ill Name; either, 1. By walking undiscreetly, orj Offensively. Or, 2. By a needless lessening the good opinion others have of us, by bewraying our weakness; as want of learning, &c. to the Carper.

How are these sins here forbidden?

As they are injurious to our own or our Neighbours good Name.

Proofs

Each links to the Scripture index: what else cites the passage.

  1. aColossians 3:9; Psalm 12:1–2
  2. bJohn 18:20–21; Matthew 7:6
  3. cProverbs 23:23; Job 13:7; Romans 3:8
  4. dProverbs 19:5; 6:16–17, 19; 1 Kings 21:10
  5. eProverbs 25:23; Psalm 15:3
  6. fProverbs 26:22
  7. gEphesians 4:31; Galatians 4:29
  8. hMatthew 7:1; Acts 24:4
  9. iPsalm 56:5; Mark 14:58–59; John 2:19–21; Matthew 27:39–40
  10. j2 Samuel 12:14; Romans 2:23–24

Cite this

An Explicatory Catechism (1675) on Q. 78, symbolics.dev/explicatory1675/78

Permalink: https://symbolics.dev/explicatory1675/78

See a mistake? Report it, with what the printing has.