Lord's Day 35

The ninth commandment deals with watching what we say. James 3:5-8 says, “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. For every species of beast and bird, reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue-- a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” 

It is important for us to remember why our words are so important. Along with the fact that the words we say reveal our true character (Matt 12:34), we must also keep in mind the nature of the God whom we worship. It was the word of God which brought everything into being, the word of God which called us into relationship with Him, the word of God which brings us life, the Word of God incarnate (John 1:1-4) who brought us peace and salvation. Words have power, and the words we speak and listen to are very important. Thus the apostle writes, “but speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Eph 4:15). 

So God’s commandment calls us to speak and promote the truth. But this means more than just blatant honesty. It means working to protect our integrity, and to defend the integrity and respect our neighbors. It means avoiding, and also putting an end to gossip, slander, and the spreading of lies. It also means telling simply the truth, not becoming flatterers, exaggerating the goodness of others for our own gain. We should also consider that this commandment says something about what we listen to as well.