Sermon Title: What is the Truth?
Scripture: Exodus 20:16

I. What is God after with the ninth commandment?
1. Never give false testimony
2. Twist no one’s words
3. Do not gossip or slander (Prov. 18:8, Matt. 15:19–20a)
4. 4. Do not join in condemning anyone rashly or without a hearing. (Matthew 7:1,1 Corinthians 4:5, Prov. 18:17, Prov. 22:1)

That I never give false testimony against anyone, twist no one’s words, not gossip or slander, nor join in condemning anyone rashly or without a hearing. Rather, in court and everywhere else, I should avoid lying and deceit of every kind; these are the very devices the devil uses, and they would call down on me God’s intense wrath. I should love the truth, speak it candidly, and openly acknowledge it. And I should do what I can to guard and advance my neighbor’s good name. (HEIDELBERG CATECHISM - Question #112)

We delight in a certain poisoned sweetness experienced in ferreting out and in disclosing the evils of others. And let us not think it an adequate excuse if in many instances we are not lying. For he who does not allow a brother’s name to be sullied by falsehood also wishes it to be kept unblemished as far as truth permits. (John Calvin - The Institutes 1:412)

Additional Notes:

Exodus 20:16
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.