Thou shalt not lie

Growing up in Montana, I remember in grade school that there are two items that you must never forget: don’t lie (“I give you my word”) and respect a person’s reputation (do not damage it).

The Bible describes the seriousness of dishonesty. “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Lying is the most direct offense against the truth. Lying is a sin that originates from the devil, Satan, who is “the father of all lies” (John 8:44).

I reference the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) paragraph numbers as I find no better explanation describing lying, and the effects it has on a...