Truth Sometimes Unpopular
Boswell's Johnson. Isaiah 30:9-11 That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:… An animated debate took place whether Martinelli should continue his "History of England" to the present day. Goldsmith: "To be sure he should." Johnson: "No, sir; he would give great offence. He would have to tell of almost all the living great what they do not wish told." Goldsmith: "There are people who tell a hundred political lies every day, and are not hurt by it. Surely, then, one may tell truth with safety." "Johnson: Why, sir, in the first place, he who tells a hundred lies has disarmed the force of his lies. But besides, a man had rather have a hundred lies told of him than one truth which he does not wish to be told." Goldsmith: "For my part, I'd fen the truth, and shame the devil." Johnson: "Yes, sir; but the devil will be angry. I wish to shame the devil as much as you do, but I should choose to be out of the reach of his claws." Goldsmith: "His claws can do you no harm when you have the shield of truth." (Boswell's Johnson.) Parallel Verses KJV: That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: WEB: For it is a rebellious people, lying children, children who will not hear the law of Yahweh;