What is required in the ninth commandment?

Should we endeavour to get a good name?

Answer: Yes.

Proof: If there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things, (Philippians 4:8)

And to keep it?

Answer: Yes.

Proof: For a little folly disgraceth him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour, (Ecclesiastes 10:1)

May we for this purpose vindicate our character when aspersed?

Answer: Yes.

Proof: My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go. (Job 27:6)

And speak modestly in our own commendation?

Answer: Yes.

Proof: In nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I am nothing, (2 Corinthians 12:11)

Is a good name an honour to God?

Answer: Yes.

Proof: On your part he is glorified, (1 Peter 4:14)

And a credit to religion?

Answer: Yes.

Proof: We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you, (Zechariah 8:23)

And a comfort to ourselves?

Answer: Yes.

Proof: For a good report maketh the bones fat, (Proverbs 15:30)

But do all enjoy this blessing who deserve it?

Answer: No.

Proof: For I heard the defaming of many, (Jeremiah 20:10)

Should we be tender of others' good name as well as our own?

Answer: Yes.

Proof: We also bear record, (3 John 12)

Should we for this purpose cover their faults?

Answer: Yes.

Proof: He that covereth transgression seeketh love, (Proverbs 17:9)

And be secret in our reproofs?

Answer: Yes.

Proof: Tell him between him and thee alone, (Matthew 18:15)

Should we put the best construction on their actions?

Answer: Yes.

Proof: Charity thinketh no evil, (1 Corinthians 13:5)

And discourage backbiting and detraction?

Answer: Yes.

Proof: We must with an angry countenance drive away a backbiting tongue, (Proverbs 25:23)

Should we also vindicate them from unjust aspersions?

Answer: Yes.

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

And joyfully receive all reports to their advantage?

Answer: Yes.

Proof: I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, (3 John 3)

And will a regard to others' good name be the best security to our own?

Answer: Yes.

Proof: For with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again, (Matthew 7:2)

Is it our duty to speak the truth?

Answer: Yes.

Proof: Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour, (Zechariah 8:16)

And when called thereto the whole truth?

Answer: Yes.

Proof: Samuel told Eli every whit, and hid nothing from him, (1 Samuel 3:18)

And nothing but the truth?

Answer: Yes.

Proof: Surely they are my people, children that will not lie, (Isaiah 63:8)

Should truth be observed in our common conversation?

Answer: Yes.

Proof: Lie not one to another, (Colossians 3:9)

And in our promise and engagements?

Answer: Yes.

Proof: Better it is that thou shouldst not vow, than vow and not pay, (Ecclesiastes 5:5)

But especially in witness-bearing?

Answer: Yes.

Proof: For a true witness delivereth souls, (Proverbs 14:25)

In order to speak the truth should we think before we speak?

Answer: Yes.

Proof: Whatsoever things are true, think on these things, (Philippians 4:8)

And accustom ourselves to a sober way of speaking?

Answer: Yes.

Proof: I speak the words of truth and soberness, (Acts 26:25)

And be careful of rash promises?

Answer: Yes.

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

And endeavour to overcome the fear of man?

Answer: Yes.

Proof: Whom hast thou feared that thou hast lied? (Isaiah 57:11)

And not do any thing that we should be ashamed to own?

Answer: No.

Proof: As Sarah, who first laughed, and then denied it, saying, I laughed not, (Genesis 18:15)