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This section of Ursinus' commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism presents a detailed examination of the Ninth Commandment, focusing on the establishment and preservation of truth among people. It forbids various forms of falsehood, including bearing false witness, slandering, and all types of lying, classifying them as works of the devil. The text then outlines several virtues associated with upholding truth, such as veracity, candor, simplicity, constancy, and docility, explaining their importance and defining their opposing vices like calumny, obstinacy, and fickleness. Furthermore, it discusses virtues necessary for truth to be profitable, including taciturnity, affability, and urbanity, each with their respective extremes such as gossiping, moroseness, and scurrility, ultimately providing a comprehensive framework for ethical communication and conduct.
Chapter Contents:
The overarching theme of the Ninth Commandment, as discusses in this chapter, is the "establishment and preservation of truth amongst men," emphasizing the moral imperative to embrace honesty in all aspects of life and to actively defend a neighbor's good name. The text delves into various facets of truth, its practical applications, and the destructive nature of falsehood.
II. The Ninth Commandment: Core Requirements
The Ninth Commandment, as interpreted in the text, requires the following:
Avoidance of False Witness: "That I bear false witness against no one." This is the foundational prohibition.
Rejection of Distortion: "twist no one’s words." This extends beyond direct lies to misrepresentation.
No Backbiting or Slander: "be no backbiter or slanderer." This addresses speaking ill of others behind their back or spreading damaging rumors.
Fair Judgment: "join in condemning no one unheard or rashly." Due process and careful consideration are mandated.
Abstinence from Lying and Deceit: "avoid all lying and deceit as the very works of the devil." Lying is presented as fundamentally evil and associated with malevolent forces.
Affirmative Duty to Truth: "love, speak honestly, and confess the truth" in all affairs, particularly "in matters of judgment and justice."
Defense of Neighbor's Reputation: "insofar as I can, defend and promote my neighbor’s good name." This is an active and protective responsibility.
The text states that the "design or end of this ninth commandment is the establishment and preservation of truth amongst men." It views "lying" as the "genus" of all forbidden actions, contrasting it with "truth" or "veracity" as the "head, the fountain and genus" of enjoined virtues. Truth is defined as "the agreement or correspondence which our knowledge or words have with the thing of which we affirm something."
III. The Virtues of the Ninth Commandment
The text meticulously enumerates and defines eight virtues, all stemming from or supporting truth:
1. Truth (Veracity)
Definition: "a firm purpose or choice in the will, by which we constantly embrace true thoughts and opinions, and profess and defend the same according to a sense of duty... keep contracts and promises, and avoid, both in our speech and deportment all deceitful dissemblings, for the glory of God and the safety of our neighbor."
Key Idea: Truth is not merely speaking facts, but an active, habitual commitment to honesty driven by a desire for God's glory and the well-being of others. The devil, though he may speak truth, "cannot be true" because he lacks this inherent love for truth.
Relation to other Commandments: Confession of truth is also in the third commandment (as worship of God), but here it's focused on "unwillingness to deceive our neighbor, but desire that his character and safety be preserved."
Opposing Vices:Falsehood/Lying: "comprehends all the various kinds of fraud, deceit, dissembling, lies of courtesy, slanders, backbitings and evil speaking." This includes "negligence as does not seek to obtain a true knowledge of things, together with willful ignorance."
Lies of Courtesy: Explicitly condemned: "nor are those lies which are uttered for politeness sake, excused, because we may not do evil, that good may come." "Lactantius very correctly says, We should never lie, because a lie always injures or deceives some one.”
Vanity/Levity: "a readiness for lying," characterized by lying "much, often, and readily, and that without any shame."
Untimely Profession of Truth: "to cast pearls before swine," sharing truth when it is inappropriate or unhelpful, causing injury rather than good.
Curiosity: "to inquire into what is not necessary, or impossible."
2. Candor
Definition: "a virtue which understands, in a proper light, things correctly and honestly spoken or done, and puts the most favorable construction upon such things as are doubtful... and does not readily entertain suspicions, or indulge in them... but yet thinking, concerning things changeable, that the minds of men may be changed, and that a man may err respecting another’s intention."
Key Idea: Candor involves charitable interpretation of others' words and actions, resisting unfounded suspicion and ill-will. It recognizes human fallibility and the hidden nature of intentions.
Opposing Vices:Calumny and Suspiciousness (Want): Calumny is "to criminate and find fault with the innocent" or "put the very worst construction upon things spoken indifferently." Suspiciousness is to "understand things... in the worst light," indulging in suspicions without "just cause" or to "too great an extent."
Foolish Credulity and Flattery (Excess): Credulity is "to interpret anything rashly or hastily" or believe things without "just and probable reasons." Flattery is "praising and admiring things which should not be praised, for the purpose of obtaining the fortune or favor of some one."
Nuance on Suspicion: While generally discouraged, "It is lawful for us, at times, to have suspicions, unless we wish to be the dupes and fools of others." Good suspicion is based on "just and sufficient grounds" and does not lead to immediate judgment or malice.
3. Simplicity
Definition: "truth in its nakedness, without any shiftings, prevarication, or quibbles; or, it is a virtue which honestly and openly speaks and does what is true, right, and understood in arts and common life."
Key Idea: Simplicity is direct, unadorned honesty, free from evasiveness or manipulation.
4. Constancy
Definition: "a virtue which does not depart from the truth in as far as it is known, and which does not change its purpose and design without a necessary and sufficient reason; but constantly says and does what is true, just and necessary."
Key Idea: Steadfastness in truth once discovered and approved, involving a consistent profession and defense of it.
Opposing Vices:Inconstancy (Want): Changing one's mind "without any sufficient reason."
Obstinacy/Stoical Rigor (Excess): "clings to false opinions, and persists in doing what is unjust and unprofitable, although convinced to the contrary." This often stems from pride.
5. Docility
Definition: "a virtue which investigates the reasons of those opinions which are true; readily yields and assents to those who teach or show things which are better, and that for reasons sound and convincing; and at the same time disposes the will to fall in with and assent to those reasons which are true and satisfactory, and to abandon what was before received and entertained."
Key Idea: An open-minded willingness to learn, investigate, and accept truth, even if it means abandoning prior beliefs.
Relationship to Constancy: "Constancy, without docility, would degenerate into obstinacy; and docility, without constancy, would degenerate into fickleness and inconstancy."
6. Taciturnity (Discreet Observance of Silence)
Definition: "a virtue which keeps to itself things not known and not necessary to be told, where, when, and in as far as it is proper to do so, and at the same time avoids an immoderate use of the tongue, in uttering such things as prudence would require not to be told."
Key Idea: Wise and prudent silence, knowing when not to speak, especially regarding secrets or things that would cause harm.
Opposing Vices:Gossiping/Prattling, Foolish Talking, Treachery (Want): Inability to keep secrets, speaking unseasonably or foolishly, or betraying confidences/plans.
Moroseness, Undue Reservedness (Excess): Being silent or holding back truth "when it ought to be declared," or dissembling truth when "the glory of God and the salvation of our fellow-men require a profession of it."
7. Affability (Readiness of Speaking)
Definition: "a virtue which hears, answers, and speaks willingly, and with evidence of good will, where it is proper by reason of some necessary or probable cause."
Key Idea: Openness, good-will, and ease in conversation, ensuring others feel comfortable in interaction.
Relationship to Taciturnity: "Taciturnity, without affability, becomes moroseness or peevishness; while affability, without taciturnity, degenerates into gossiping, prattling, and foolish talking."
8. Urbanity
Definition: "that which seasons and recommends truth and speech under every form... a facility and power of speaking the truth with a certain degree of grace, so as to teach, comfort, cheer, excite and move others without being accompanied with any unpleasantness or bitterness."
Key Idea: Speaking truth with grace, wit, and pleasantness, making it appealing and effective for teaching, comforting, or motivating others.
Opposing Vices:Scurrility, Raillery, Backbiting (Want): Obscene or low jesting, bitter jesting/scoffing (especially towards the pitiable), or spreading false reports with a desire for revenge and injury.
Foolishness, Want of Taste (Excess): Inappropriate affectation or silly imitation of urbanity.
IV. Conclusion
The Ninth Commandment is presented as a comprehensive directive for establishing and preserving truth in human society. It extends beyond simply avoiding lies to cultivating a deep-seated love for veracity, accompanied by a host of interconnected virtues. These virtues guide individuals not only in speaking honestly but also in interpreting others charitably, remaining steadfast in conviction, being open to new understanding, and communicating truth with both wisdom and grace. The text consistently condemns all forms of falsehood and deceit, linking them to "the very works of the devil," while emphasizing the pursuit of truth for "the glory of God and the safety of our neighbor."
What does the ninth commandment require?
The ninth commandment requires several specific actions and prohibitions, primarily centered around truth and the good name of one's neighbor.
Specifically, the ninth commandment requires that an individual:
Bear false witness against no one.
Twist no one's words.
Be no backbiter or slanderer.
Join in condemning no one unheard or rashly.
Avoid all lying and deceit as the "very works of the devil," on pain of God’s heavy wrath.
Love, speak honestly, and confess the truth in matters of judgment and justice, and in all other affairs.
Defend and promote a neighbor’s good name, insofar as one is able.
The underlying principle behind these requirements is the establishment and preservation of truth amongst men. The negative precept, "You shall not bear false witness of, or against your neighbor," implicitly includes an affirmative one: "You shall bear true witness of, or for your neighbor" and "love to learn and speak the truth". Truth, or veracity, is considered "the head, the fountain and genus" of the virtues enjoined by this commandment.
What overarching principle governs the virtues and vices detailed in this religious text?
The overarching principle that governs the virtues and vices detailed in this religious text is truth, or veracity.
The sources explicitly state that "The design or end of this ninth commandment is the establishment and preservation of truth amongst men". Truth is identified as "the head, the fountain and genus, as it were, of the virtues which are here enjoined". Conversely, falsehood is described as "the fountain, the genus of all the vices which are here condemned".
Truth or veracity is defined as "a firm purpose or choice in the will, by which we constantly embrace true thoughts and opinions, and profess and defend the same". All other virtues commended under this commandment "wait upon truth, or contribute to it, and are, as it were, certain appendages of it". For example, virtues such as candor, simplicity, constancy, and docility are presented as necessary for truth to be tempered, perceived, acknowledged, and preserved. Similarly, taciturnity, affability, and urbanity are presented as necessary for truth to be profitable in the world.
How many virtues are listed?
There are eight principal virtues explicitly listed and discussed in this religious text under the ninth commandment.
These virtues are:
Truth or veracity
Candor
Simplicity
Constancy
Docility
Taciturnity, or a discreet observance of silence
Affability, or readiness of speaking
Urbanity
The text also mentions "liberty of speech or boldness" as a virtue that Truth comprehends. All these virtues "wait upon truth, or contribute to it, and are, as it were, certain appendages of it".
What is the genus of vices?
In this religious text, the genus of all the vices that are condemned is falsehood.
Just as truth (or veracity) is identified as the "head, the fountain and genus" of the virtues enjoined by the ninth commandment, falsehood is presented as its direct counterpart, serving as the originating principle for all the condemned vices.
How is truth defined?
In this religious text, truth, or veracity, is defined in several ways:
It is understood as the agreement or correspondence which our knowledge or words have with the thing of which we affirm something. In simpler terms, a speech or declaration is considered true if it "harmonizes and agrees with the thing itself".
More broadly, TRUTH or veracity is described as "a firm purpose or choice in the will, by which we constantly embrace true thoughts and opinions, and profess and defend the same according to a sense of duty and the circumstances in which we are placed". This also involves keeping contracts and promises, and avoiding all deceitful dissemblings in both speech and deportment, for the glory of God and the safety of one's neighbor.
The text emphasizes that "he alone is true who speaks and loves the truth, and has a desire to promote it for the glory of God and the safety of his fellow-men". This implies that truth is not just about factual accuracy, but also about the intention and love for promoting it.
Truth is also depicted as "the head, the fountain and genus" of the virtues enjoined under the ninth commandment.
In essence, truth encompasses both accurate correspondence with reality in words and knowledge, and a moral commitment in the will to embrace, profess, defend, and live by what is true, for the well-being of others and the glory of God.
What is the purpose of truth?
The purpose of truth, or veracity, as detailed in this religious text, is multifaceted and central to the ninth commandment.
The primary purpose of truth is "the establishment and preservation of truth amongst men". This overarching goal forms the design and end of the ninth commandment.
More specifically, truth serves to:
Glorify God. Professing and defending truth, and avoiding deceit, is done "for the glory of God". The glory of God is a key reason for requiring the profession of truth.
Ensure the safety and well-being of one's neighbor. Truth is to be embraced, professed, and defended "for the safety of our neighbor". The desire that a neighbor's "character and safety be preserved" is a reason for requiring the confession of truth. Similarly, the "salvation of our fellow-men" necessitates the profession of truth.
Maintain integrity in thoughts, words, judgments, contracts, and doctrine. Truth involves a firm purpose to constantly embrace true thoughts and opinions, profess and defend them, and keep contracts and promises. It is defined as the agreement between knowledge or words and the thing being affirmed.
Avoid deceiving one's neighbor. The confession of truth is required because individuals should be "unwilling to deceive our neighbor".
In essence, truth aims to foster an environment of honesty and reliability for the benefit of both divine honor and human welfare.
How is candor defined?
Candor is defined as a virtue that is closely related to truth and is essential for properly understanding and interpreting the words and actions of others.
Specifically, candor involves:
Understanding things correctly and honestly spoken or done in a proper light.
Putting the most favorable construction upon doubtful matters, provided there are just reasons to do so.
Not readily entertaining or indulging in suspicions, even when there might be cause, and not basing actions or resolutions on these suspicions.
Sanctioning other conclusions when there are probable reasons for them.
Not indulging in any ill-will.
Interpreting doubtful things in the most probable light and hoping for the good.
Acknowledging the changeable nature of human minds and the possibility of erring about another's intention, as the "inmost recesses of the human heart are never brought fully to light".
The sources also emphasize that candor is an assistant, or species of truth, and is enjoined and commended in connection with truth. It plays a role in tempering and regulating truth and is necessary for the preservation of truth.
What does candor oppose?
Candor opposes several vices, which are identified as its lack or its extreme excess.
Specifically, candor is opposed by:
Falsehood or lying, and various forms of lying such as fraud, deceit, dissembling, lies of courtesy, slanders, backbitings, and evil speaking.
Calumny, which involves criminating and finding fault with the innocent without reason, putting the worst construction on indifferently spoken things, or propagating and coining falsehoods.
Suspiciousness, which means understanding correctly or ambiguously spoken things in the worst light, suspecting evil from good things, entertaining suspicions without just cause, or indulging in suspicions to an excessive degree even when there are proper reasons.
Foolish credulity, defined as rashly or hastily interpreting and assenting to something without just and probable reasons, or believing something despite evident and sufficient reasons to the contrary.
Flattery, which consists of praising and admiring things that should not be praised, for the purpose of obtaining someone's fortune or favor.
These oppositions highlight candor's role in promoting fair and charitable interpretation of others' words and actions, in contrast to deceit, unfounded accusations, and excessive skepticism or blind acceptance.
What is the opposite of urbanity?
The opposite of urbanity, as described by its "extremes" in the religious text, includes several vices.
Specifically, urbanity is opposed by:
Scurrility: This consists of obscene and low jesting, especially in holy things. The term "scurra" (from which scurrility derives) means a person who jests in this manner, speaking what is "obscene and filthy".
Raillery: This vice involves bitter jesting or scoffing, and in deriding and vexing others, particularly those who ought to be pitied.
Backbiting: This involves putting false reports into circulation regarding others, and putting the worst construction upon what is spoken doubtfully, driven by a desire for revenge, injuring, and exciting prejudice and opposition against someone.
Foolishness: This is described as an affectation of urbanity that is altogether inappropriate and out of place.
A want of taste: This shows itself in a silly imitation of urbanity.
How does docility relate to constancy?
Docility and constancy are presented as two virtues that are closely related and mutually dependent in this religious text. They are both necessary for properly embracing and maintaining truth.
Here's how they relate:
Docility is necessary for constancy: The text explicitly states that "Docility is also necessary to constancy; for constancy, without docility, would degenerate into obstinacy". This means that for a person to remain constant in truth, they must first be docile – willing to investigate, learn, and assent to what is better and true based on sound reasons. Without this openness to learning and changing one's mind when presented with better reasons, constancy would become a stubborn adherence to potentially false opinions, which is defined as obstinacy.
Constancy is necessary for docility: Conversely, "docility, without constancy, would degenerate into fickleness and inconstancy". Docility involves abandoning previously held beliefs when confronted with new, convincing truths. However, if this openness to change is not balanced by constancy – a virtue that holds fast to discovered and approved truth and does not change purpose without sufficient reason – it could lead to constantly shifting beliefs and an inability to maintain any firm position.
Shared Extremes: The text notes that "The extremes of this virtue [docility] are the same as those of constancy". The extremes of constancy are inconstancy (a lack of sticking to truth) and obstinacy (an excessive, unyielding adherence, even to false opinions). This further highlights their interconnectedness, as an imbalance in one can manifest as a vice associated with the other.
Perception and Preservation of Truth: Docility plays a role in how truth is "perceived and acknowledged", while constancy is necessary for the "preservation of truth".
In summary, docility and constancy act as a checks and balances system for each other, ensuring that one is neither stubbornly rigid in error nor excessively changeable without good reason, both in the pursuit and maintenance of truth.