Here, 1. The sin condemned is bearing false witness against our
neighbour, either in judgment or in common conversation, contrary to
the law of the ninth commandment. 2. That which it is here condemned
for is the mischievousness of it; it is in its power to ruin not only
men's reputation, but their lives, estates, families, all that is dear
to them. A false testimony is every thing that is dangerous; it is a
maul (or club to knock a man's brains out with), a flail, which there
is no fence against; it is a sword to wound near at hand and a sharp
arrow to wound at a distance; we have therefore need to pray, Deliver
my soul, O Lord! from lying lips, Ps. cxx. 2.