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The tongue may be employed about, and made to serve all…

“The tongue may be employed about, and made to serve all the purposes of vice, in tempting and deceiving, in perjury and injustice.” quote by Joseph Butler
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“The tongue may be employed about, and made to serve all the purposes of vice, in tempting and deceiving, in perjury and injustice.”

Joseph Butler

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The tongue can be used for both good and evil, capable of deception, false oaths, and injustice.

In simple terms: Words can deceive and harm.

Key Takeaway

Guard your speech against misuse.

Themes

communication ethics vice

Mood

cautious thoughtful

Type

ethical didactic

When to use this quote

  • political debate
  • legal testimony
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

rhetoric morality

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you ensure honesty in speech?
  • When have you witnessed the power of words?
A Different Perspective

Words can also inspire truth and compassion.

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