Zechariah 8:16, commentary and pictures

The instruction was given to Israel after the return from captivity as a requirement of obedience, and keeping these principles was made a condition of the promised blessing and restoration. Every person is to speak truth to his neighbor, meaning that God's people are to speak truth to one another without exception. Judgment is to be executed in the gates as the judgment of truth and peace, meaning that decisions affecting the community are to be made fairly and guided by both truth and peace.

Taken together with the following verse, the command forbids imagining evil in the heart against a neighbor and loving a false oath, for these are things that God hates. In this way the commands guard the church against backbiting, false accusation, and casting reproach upon fellow believers. Truthful speech to one's neighbor and judgments marked by truth and peace beautify the soul, and such good works represent God's sacred attributes. Selfishness and double dealing will receive their fitting reward, while peace is to prevail among God's people, because contention and dissension are not from Him.

Practicing truth and righteousness in all dealings is itself a way of serving God. That service includes helping fellow workers rather than hindering them. It also includes supporting His work with patience and charity and Christian courtesy.