96. Do we sin when we speak truthfully of our neighbor's faults?
Yes; when we do so with an unloving heart, either because we wish to hurt our neighbor, or thoughtlessly and in gossiping.
Matt. 12:36. Every idle word that man shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
97. What does God require of us in the eighth commandment?
We must always be truthful, excuse, and speak well of our neighbor, as far as truth permits, and look upon all his acts as well-meant.
1 Cor. 13:5–7. Love thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
THE NINTH COMMANDMENT.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house.
That is,