What does the act of slandering violate?

The act of slandering primarily violates the Ninth Commandment, which calls individuals to bear false testimony against their neighbors. Slander involves making false statements about someone, which harms their reputation and integrity. This commandment emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and honesty in our speech. Slander not only misrepresents the character of the person being slandered but also goes against the ethical principle of treating others with dignity and respect.

Thus, recognizing that slander falls under false testimony highlights the gravity of how our words can impact others. Furthermore, this understanding fosters a commitment to upholding truth and integrity in communication, aligning with the moral teachings found in the Westminster Shorter Catechism concerning the importance of living a life that honors God and others.