An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism · Martin Luther
TRUTHFULNESS.
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. _What is meant by this commandment?_ We should so fear and love God as not deceitfully to belie, betray, slander, nor raise injurious reports against our neighbor, but apologize for him, speak well of him, and put the most charitable construction on all his actions. * * * * * THE OBJECT of this commandment is to secure truthfulness, [Eph. 4:25+] and to guard our good name. [Prov. 22:1+] Without truthfulness we could not believe anything we heard, and the utmost confusion would prevail in the affairs of men. A good name is one of our most precious earthly possessions. This commandment _forbids_ all lying. It _commands_ perfect truthfulness and a charitable judgment of others.
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