HenryWSC 77

Matthew Henry’s Westminster Shorter Catechism Commentary on Question 77

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Is it our duty to govern our tongues? Yes: I said, I will take heed to my ways that I sin not with my tongue,
Ps. 39:1
. Is he a good Christian that does not? No: for if any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, that man’s religion is vain,
James 1:26
. Must we therefore pray to God to keep us from tongue-sins? Yes: Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth,
Ps. 141:3
.
Is it our duty to speak truth? Yes: Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour,
Zech. 8:16
. Is there good reason for it? Yes: for we are members one of another,
Eph. 4:25
. And is this the character of a good man? Yes: that he speaketh the truth in his heart,
Ps. 15:2
. Are all truths to be spoken at all times: No: for there is a time to keep silence, and a time to speak,
Eccles. 3:7
. But may an untruth be spoken at any time? No: for God’s people are children that will not lie,
Isa. 63:8
.
Is it our duty, especially in witness-bearing, to speak truth? Yes: for a faithful witness will not lie,
Prov. 14:5
. And the whole truth? Yes: Samuel told Eli every whit, and hid nothing from him,
1 Sam. 3:18
. And nothing but the truth? Yes: for a lying tongue is but for a moment,
Prov. 12:19
.
Is it our duty to strive to have a good name with God? Yes: for not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth,
2 Cor. 10:16
. And should we endeavour to have a good name with good people? Yes: Let those that fear thee turn unto me,
Ps. 119:79
. And if possible a good name with all people? Yes: Demetrius hath a good report of all men,
3 John 12
. Must we abound in those things that are of good report? Yes: if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on those things,
Phil. 4:8
.
In order to our getting a good name must we live by faith? Yes: for by it the elders obtained a good report,
Heb. 11:2
. Must we walk wisely? Yes: for a man’s wisdom makes his face to shine,
Eccles. 8:1
. Must we do justly? Yes: Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles,
1 Pet. 2:12
. And be humble? Yes: for before honour is humility,
Prov. 18:12
. And must we abound in good works? Yes: Let your light so shine before men,
Matt. 5:16
. But can good people expect to have everyone’s good word? No: Woe unto you when all men speak well of you,
Luke 6:26
. May we hazard a good conscience to preserve our reputation? No: for our praise is not of men, but of God,
Rom. 2:29
.
Ought we to be very tender of the good names of others? Yes: we must honour all men,
1 Pet. 2:17
. Must we give them the praise of that in them which is good? Yes: We also bear record,
3 John 12
. But may we flatter them? No: he that speaketh flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail,
Job 17:5
. Must we charitably conceal their faults? Yes: for charity covers a multitude of sins,
1 Pet. 4:8
. Must we discourage slandering and censoriousness? Yes: we must with an angry countenance drive away a backbiting tongue,
Prov. 25:23
.
HenryWSC 77