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;”2306
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:”
2307
| 2307 Wisdom i. 11. Os quod
mentitur. “The mouth that belieth,” E.V., στόμα
καταψευδόμενον |
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.”
2308
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.”
2309
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
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