d 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.

PERJURY.

The bearing of false witness is forbidden, but this must not be
limited merely to testimony given in the law court or under oath.
Isn't it a condemnation that men have to be put under oath in order to
make sure of their speaking the truth? As a legal offence,
_perjury_--the bearing of false witness when under oath--is one of the
most serious crimes that can be committed. Nearly every civilized
nation visits it with heavy punishment. Unless promptly checked, it
would shake the very foundations of justice.

_Lying_--uttering or acting falsehood--and _slander_--the spreading of
false reports tending to destroy the reputation of another--are two of
the most common violations of this commandment.

LYING.

We have got nowadays so that we divide lies into white lies and black
lies, society lies, business lies, etc. The Word of God knows no such
letting-down of the standard. A lie is a lie, no matter what are the
circumstances under which it is uttered, or by whom. I have heard that
in Siam they sew up the mouth of a confirmed liar. I am afraid if that
was the custom in America, a good many would suffer. Parents should
begin with their children while they are young and teach them to be
strictly truthful at all times. There is a proverb: "A lie has no
legs." It requires other lies to support it. Tell one lie and you are
forced to tell others to back it up.

SLANDER.

You don't like to have any one bear false witne