Der dritte Teil: Von der Dankbarkeit — 43. Sonntag
The Integrity of Our Speech
This section outlines the ninth commandment's call to truthfulness, the rejection of slander, and the active protection of our neighbor's reputation.
What does God require in the ninth commandment? I should not give false testimony against anyone, twist anyone's words, speak behind their back, or slander them. I should not help to judge anyone without hearing them first, judge lightly, or avoid all lies and deceit as works of the devil in the face of God's severe wrath. In court and in all my dealings, I should love the truth, speak it sincerely, and confess it, while also protecting and promoting my neighbor's honor and good name to the best of my ability.
Read the original Latin
Was will Gott im neunten Gebot? Ich soll gegen niemanden falsches Zeugnis geben, niemandem seine Worte verdrehen, nicht hinter seinem Rücken reden und ihn nicht verleumden. Ich soll niemanden ungehört und leichtfertig verurteilen helfen und alles Lügen und Betrügen als Werke des Teufels bei Gottes schwerem Zorn vermeiden. Vor Gericht und in all meinem Tun soll ich die Wahrheit lieben, sie aufrichtig sagen und bekennen und auch meines Nächsten Ehre und guten Ruf nach Kräften retten und fördern.
Heidelberg Catechism (Heidelbergse Catechismus) companion
Rule yourself daily, not just on retreat
Chosen Portion turns the mirror into a daily practice — a short reading and examining question each morning before you lead anyone.
Chosen Portion makes the mirror daily: the ruler-formation questions this collection preserves become a two-minute morning examination in the app.
- A daily formation reading drawn from centuries of counsel to those in authority
- One pointed examination question a day — two minutes, before the meetings start
- Track your practice over weeks and watch the examined life become a habit