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.