We continue with translating the Chofetz Chaim’s Sefer entitled, “Sefas Tamim.” Sefas Tamim, from which our foundation takes its name, focuses on the importance of honesty in word and in deed. We now begin our translation of Chapter 2, which discusses the great punishment that awaits those that are deceitful.
“Intrinsic to this sin [of deceit] is the power to diminish this person's wealth and to punish him in many different ways, both in this world and in Olam Haba (the World to Come). The reason for the severity of the punishment for this sin is because this sin, ‘deceit’ almost always encompasses many, many other sins and in particular the sins of theft and extortion and lies, each of which individually is a profound sin. Especially someone who has become accustomed to deceive, has deceived people many hundreds of times throughout his life and so his end will be bad and bitter.”
