God forbids all kinds of lies. We should not lie or slander to try to benefit, defend ourselves, or harm others. We must strive to be honest, seek justice, and always walk in the truth.
Who, Lord, can dwell in your sanctuary? Who can live on your holy mountain? Only the one with blameless conduct, who practices justice and speaks the truth from the heart; who does not slander with his tongue, who does not harm his neighbor or harm his neighbor …
(Psalm 15: 1-3)
The commandment specifically prohibits saying something false about another person, but based on this, the question arises as to whether we should tell the truth in every situation. Are they also incorrect or misleading financial statements that violate the ninth commandment? What about advertising that, while not incorrectly discrediting the competition, is exaggerated? What about management assurances misleading employees about impending layoffs? In a world where perception is often counted as reality, the rhetoric of persuasion can worry a bit about the truth. The divine origin of the ninth commandment reminds us that God cannot be mocked.