You're getting wise, aren't you, Tip?
Ellis was only saying that verse in fun, just as lots of people do.

I've heard good men quote the Bible and laugh over it." "Can't help that," said Tip boldly; "I say it's wicked, and Ellis Holbrook's father says so too.

I heard him tell Will Bailey once that folks ought to be very careful how they said things that were in the Bible.' "Did he tell you to go around preaching for him through the week?
How much does he pay you for your services?
Come, let's hear." This was said in Will Bailey's most disagreeable tone.

Before Tip had time to answer, Ellis spoke again.
"Well, I don't pretend to be as good as some people are, but I really can't see any awful wickedness in anything that I've said to-night." "Neither can anybody else, except Tip," said Will, "and he's good, you know; he never does anything wrong, except to tell lies and swear, or some little matters." Ellis was an honest boy.

"No," he said gravely, "there is no use in saying what isn't true, for the sake of helping my side along.