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.