The 8th Commandment

The Eighth Commandment confronts us with a truth we often overlook: our words carry tremendous power, not just to deceive, but to wound, heal, build up, or tear down. While we might simplistically understand this commandment as 'don't lie,' it goes much deeper into the heart of how we speak about our neighbors. Martin Luther reminds us that we're called not only to avoid false testimony but to defend our neighbors, speak well of them, and put the best construction on everything. We've all experienced the lasting sting of hurtful words—from parents, friends, coaches, or colleagues—words that cut deeper than any physical wound. The old saying 'sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me' is simply untrue. Benjamin Franklin wisely noted that while we may recover from a slip of the foot, we may never recover from a slip of the tongue. James describes the tongue as a fire, a world of unrighteousness that can set our entire lives ablaze. Yet the same Scripture that warns us about destructive speech also reveals that 'In the beginning was the Word'—Jesus Christ himself, who spoke words of life, forgiveness, and redemption. When we remember the words God speaks over us—'you are forgiven,' 'you are redeemed,' 'you have eternal life'—we find the power to transform how we speak to and about others. The challenge before us is clear: will we use our words to bring life or death?