Lying

[NY Believer]

Should we always tell the truth 100% or are there situations where lying is acceptable?

I think of Rahab and the spies as a biblical example in Joshua 2.

Thoughts?

 

[cowbot]

Pro 8:7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
Pro 8:8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.


Or - if you can't say something truthful, don't say anything!

 

[Veracity]

Should we always tell the truth 100% or are there situations where lying is acceptable?

I think of Rahab and the spies as a biblical example in Joshua 2.

Thoughts?

I have a suspicion that everyone 'lies' to a certain extent, some just don't view it as such. For instance, a husband to his wife, "Do I look good in this dress?" "Are you mad at me?" "Am I the most beautiful woman you have ever seen?"

The same would go for a wife,a mother, a father, sister, brother, child. When is painfully honest too much; so that you would rather tell that lie and repent?

To say one is absolutely perfect...would also be a lie. No matter how one puts it.

 

[evangeline]

Hi NY believer,

There are a few examples of very godly (and sometimes brave) people lying to save lives.

The Hebrew midwives disobeyed pharoah and lied about it; and God blessed them! They lied to Pharoah because they honoured God more than they feared pharoah. It's a great story! Exodus 1:15-21

David pretended to be insane to save his own life. 1 Samuel 21:10-15

Like Rahab, there was another women who courageously hid spies and lied about their whereabouts. 2 Samuel 17:18-20

Lying as a sin doesn't feature much in the Old Testament. The commandent that many associate with lying is actually about not giving false testimony that may get your neighbour into trouble. Exodus 20:16

In the New Testament we are exhorted to speak truthfully (Ephesians 4:25); and the Devil is called the "Father of Lies" (John 8:44); so lying is to be avoided where possible, and truth telling encouraged!

The Bible shows that in a fallen world, lying seems to be the lesser of two evils and may even be necessary to protect people and preserve lives.

 

[NY Believer]

For instance, a husband to his wife, "Do I look good in this dress?" "Are you mad at me?" "Am I the most beautiful woman you have ever seen?"

haha. Those are great examples and proof a man is doomed by his wife no matter what he says!

I think when it comes down to God's law and man's law, we are to obey man's law so far as it doesn't break God's law. In a world that is becoming more and more hostile to Christians, there will be circumstances where telling the truth for the sake of our Lord will get us into trouble with man.

2Ti 1:8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,