Gospel of Thomas - Chapter 008

Saying 6

(6) His disciples questioned him and said to him, "Do you want us to fast? How shall we pray? Shall we give alms? What diet shall we observe?"

Jesus said, "Do not tell lies, and do not do what you hate, for all things are plain in the sight of heaven. For nothing hidden will not become manifest, and nothing covered will remain without being uncovered."

The second half has two sayings which are parallel. When there are two things like this it says that it applies to the flesh and the spirit. Lying is done in the flesh, and hypocrisy is done in the spirit.

(m. Two things - heavenly and earthly)

Meaning

Do not sin in the flesh or the spirit. This is similar to:

Mt 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Since the Kingdom of Heaven is 'teaching', lying and hypocrisy are the two great sins against the kingdom.

Go to Ch. 9