Organized society of a degree higher than that of the herding of animals and flocking of birds depends so much upon the power of speech, that without it we may say society would be impossible. Language is an essential element in the social fabric. To its purpose it must be trustworthy. Words must command confidence. Anything which undermines the truth takes (as it were) the mortar out of the building and if general, must mean ruin. Paul said—“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth to his neighbor: for we are members one of another.” Note the reason given—“we are members one of another.” All community, all union and fellowship would be shattered if a man did not know whether to believe his neighbor or not.

The transgressions of this commandment are very varied in form, and very frequent. Men and women of all ages have to guard against them. They include some of the most besetting sins. David said in his haste—“All men are liars.” Some one has remarked that if he had been living nowadays, he might say it without haste and not be very far wide of the truth.