"Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor."

This commandment is one that requires our constant attention because it is an easy one to disobey, sometimes without even realizing we have done so.  

Obviously, on the most basic level, this commandment forbids outright lying or dishonest speech, but it goes much deeper than that.  This commandment prohibits any kind of speech that can harm another person in any way.  Take a look at these additional "sins of the tongue" and reflect on their place in your communications with others:

• Lying -- Deliberately speaking falsehood
• Idle Talk/Gossip/Backstabbing Speech -- Spreading unnecessary (true or false) information about others in ways that are uncharitable and careless
• Detraction -- Speaking about another person's (true) faults without a valid reason in a way that damages their name or reputation
• Calumny -- Speaking about another person's untrue faults in order to cause damage or injury 
• Defamation -- the act of harming a person's good name or reputation through written or spoken words
• Flattery -- Exaggerating someone's good qualities to gain favor or manipulate them
• Cursing -- Wishing harm or damnation upon others
• Proud/Boastful Speech -- Speaking in an arrogant or self-centered way
• Sowing Discord -- Using words to create strife, quarrels, and division among people
• Filthy or Corrupt Language -- Using coarse or obscene language without a legitimate need to do so
• Mockery/Insults -- Speech that tears down rather than builds up; contempt, ridicule, cruelty, sarcasm, imitation, verbal abuse, humiliation
• Talking Too Much/Vain Speech -- Excessive words increase the opportunity for sin

Unfortunately, these sins are very easy to commit and we see examples every day... 

• News media vilifying a political candidate by selectively reporting negative falsehoods or withholding valid positive information in order to distort others' opinions about him/her

• Corporate America deliberately misleading consumers about health or safety information of their products

• Politicians engaging in name-calling and destructive rhetoric for political gain

• Comedians or TV personalities mocking others or spreading misinformation under the guise of "humor"

• Phone or internet scammers who lie to take advantage of people, especially the elderly or those who might not know better

• Businesses who deliberately exaggerate damage or flaws in an effort to scare consumers into unnecessary costly repairs

• Unkind or belittling words spoken between children to cause pain or embarrassment

• College professors or school teachers who misuse their positions to discuss obscene or inappropriate topics in the classroom, thereby scandalizing their students and creating curiosity for sin

• Vicious or hateful comments posted online or on social media 

• Misrepresenting facts by submitting falsified tax returns, padding hours on a timesheet at work, or committing insurance fraud

In addition to being a sin against truth itself, these things are also violations against charity, respect, and justice.  Reckless, irresponsible speech wounds the dignity of others, ALL of whom are created in the image and likeness of God.  

"Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker."  ~Proverbs 17:5

"Whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire."  Matthew 5:22

In addition to breaking the 8th commandment about "bearing false witness," these sins of the tongue could also be considered a violation of the 5th commandment ("Thou shalt not kill") because they unjustly harm the life or dignity of a person, including crushing someone's spirit.  

How terribly, woefully commonplace these sins of the tongue are today!  

Let us become more familiar with these lesser-realized aspects of this serious commandment and dedicate ourselves to right speech.