6. On the other hand, those
who say that we must never lie, plead much more strongly, using
first the Divine authority, because in the very Decalogue it is
written “Thou shall not bear false witness;”
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under which general term it
comprises all lying: for whoso utters any thing bears witness to
his own mind. But lest any should contend that not every lie is to
be called false witness, what will he say to that which is written,
“The mouth that lieth slayeth the soul:”
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and lest any should suppose that
this may be understood with the exception of some liars, let him
read in another place, “Thou wilt destroy all that speak
leasing.”
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Whence
with His own lips the Lord saith, “Let your communication be yea,
yea; nay, nay; for whatsoever is more than these cometh of
evil.”
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Hence the
Apostle also in giving precept for the putting off of the old man,
under which name all sins are understood, says straightway,
“Wherefore putting away lying, speak ye truth.”
2310
2306
Exod. xx. 16
2307
Wisdom i. 11
.
Os quod
mentitur
. “The mouth that belieth,” E.V.,
στόμα
καταψευδόμενον
2308
Psalm v. 6
2309
Matt. v. 37
. [See
R.V.]
2310
Eph. iv. 25