David had been the special object of Doeg's hatred, and he felt deeply the wrongs he had endured. He represents the false tongue as being effectual for mischief, like a razor which, unknown to the person operated upon, is making him bald, so softly and skilfully do Oriental barbers perform their task. Whetted by malice and guided by craft, Doeg accomplished his cruel purpose.
There are:
I. Lies of intention. This is the worst kind of all.
II. Lies of carelessness. A desire to say something which will startle or amuse is often the secret why so many stories are told. So much mischief is done in the world by a thoughtless use of this razor that no man can be too careful how he hastily accuses or even suspects another of crime. Life is too short to correct or repair the harm which is done in this way.
J. N. Norton, The King's Ferry Boat,p. 161.