Question 83

Is it a sin that makes us like the devil?

Yes. For when he speaketh a lie he speaketh of his own,^b

Is it an unprofitable sin?

Yes. The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death,^c

Is it a sin that will be detected?

Yes. For a lying tongue is but fora moment,^d

And severely punished?

Yes. For without are dogs, and whoso loveth and maketh a lie,^e

Should we therefore hate it?

Yes. I abhor lying,^f

And pray against it?

Yes. Remove from me the way of lying,^g

Or to excuse a fault?

No. As Gehazi, who said, thy servant went no whither,ⁱ

Or with an intention to do good?

No. We must not do evil that good may come,^j

But may we not return slander for slander?

No. Render not railing for railing,^l

Is flattery also a sin?

Yes. They speak vanity every one with his neighbour, with flattering lips and a double heart do they speak,^m

Is self detraction a sin?

Yes. There is that maketh himself poor and yet hath great riches,ⁿ

And self-flattery?

Yes. There is that maketh himself rich, and yet hath nothing,^o

And subornation?

Yes. Thus the Jews set up false witnesses against Stephen,^q

And backbiting and talebearing?

Yes. Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people,^r

And all censorious and uncharitable reflections?

Yes. For he that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaks evil of the law, and judgeth the law,^s