On A Supposed Right To Lie

 Conclusion:  It is one’s duty to be truthful but this truthfulness is not dependent upon the      

                        consequences.

I.                   The truth is a right that is due to all (428:34).

A)    It is each man’s right first to himself to be truthful.  Your right to yourself is that of the truth (426:2).

B)    The truth has no respect of person, it does not discriminate, it is not base upon who is receiving it. 

                  C)    The right to truth is universal a person can not have the right to tell the truth while

                         another person is refused that same right.

 

II.                Harm is the outcome of a lie (426:24).

 

A)    When telling a lie a person has caused harm to oneself because his own lies impairs or weakens his right to truth.

                  B)    Truthful statements are not bound to harm no matter what the unforeseen    
                        consequences are.
 

C)    Telling a lie may not cause harm to the one who summons you but it causes harm to mankind because of the ripple effect that is attributed to the lie.

 

III.             The truth is a duty that should not be avoided (426:12).

A)    When something is known to be true it should not be abandoned.  If we have  

       knowledge of the truth when asked the truth should be granted.

 

B)    Avoidance of the truth is a lie in itself.  If asked a question requiring a yes or no answer such as do I look fat in this dress and a person responds by saying, “I love that color” he is a liar for avoiding that which he has knowledge of truth whether the answer is yes or no.

 

C)    When we avoid the truth is then that we lie to ourselves and to others.