Article May 30, 1914 Issue

Putting Away Lying

REV. G. WARRE CORNISH

Paul tells the Ephesians in the fourth chapter of his epistle to "put off ... the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts." He continues, "Wherefore putting off the lie [to follow the original more closely], speak every man truth with his neighbor.' The connection of thought is obscured by the translation in the Authorized Version. "Wherefore putting away lying" is the rendering in the King James Version. From the Greek text it is evident that Paul is resuming the words he has just given, "put off ... the old man," for he continues with the very same word, "Wherefore putting off the lie."

Students of Christian Science sometimes make use of the phrase "the lie" in a wide and extended sense to mean falsity, all that counterfeits God's creation. Though this is strange English, it is good Greek, and exactly translates the words Paul uses here, and also the words John uses when he says, "When he speaketh the lie." It is a more inclusive phrase than "when he speaketh a lie," as it is translated. For the most part both the Authorized and the Revised versions are splendid and true renderings of the Greek text, but in the more metaphysical rendering of words and phrases, they sometimes fall short of the ideal.

Mrs. Eddy says (Science and Health, p. 537), "Inspired writers interpret the Word spiritually, while the ordinary historian interprets it literally." It is our privilege to apply our understanding of Principle, that we may gain the spiritual sense and utilize it in working out our problems, not in mere discussions as to the letter, although this too should become more luminous to us each day.

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