Is It Ok To Tell A Little White Lie Even If..

[Marilyn777]

Would you tell a little white lie to spare a friend/family member some embarrassment? Or would you tell the truth no matter what? Is there ever a good time to lie? I know the 10 Commandments say: Deuteronomy 5:20 - You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour. But does this include telling a small lie to save someone from being hurt?

Marilyn

[Guest kitkat]

It's best just to not say anything at all. It's never ok to tell a lie. Not even a white lie. In those types of situations, I don't say anything at all. The part I don't understand is, how can you tell a friend a little white lie that will keep them from getting hurt? Wouldn't it be better if you came out and told them the truth to save them from embarassment?

The only situation I can think of that is similar to what you're speaking of, is when someone gives you a birthday or Christmas gift and it's not really something you like at all or would use. In that case, for example, if the gift was a picture to hang on the wall, that the friend bought as a gift for you, the thing to say is, "that's a nice picture." I don't think that's a white lie. It would be a lie if you told them you liked it, when you really didn't.

[tako]

HI MARILYN, You know thats a tough one to answer, in fact, I've come across the same question when I first became a christian. But here goes anyway, condemn me if you must I heard someone once say sometimes we should put MERCY before HONESTEY And I have followed this rule coupled with LOVE ever since when I find myself in THAT SITUATION dealing with people........ TAKO

[alecia]

Im pretty honest, I dont like telling lies either... And its like you say, its better to not say anything at all, but usually by not saying anything the person figures out the answer anyway.. its like if you had a friend that was somewhat annoying, and they come out and ask you if they are annoying, do you say yes or no? If you dont answer they will assume its yes so you may as well just answer yes to begin with... or should you?

[unbeaten]

Alot of us have come to think or been told that. On one hand in the world we live in today its KINDA nice to see humans actually attempting to look out for each other. On the other hand it IS still a lie. Why take a chance of telling even a "white lie" to supposedly help someone when A) the effects of said helping could be very short- and if they find out the truth and end up hurt or devestated, could come back to you B) would give you any chance or hurting or building a wall between you and God? If they are TRUELY your friend, as much as it hurts they should understand you TELL them to help, not to get some sick pleasure

:hug:

[Speechless]

a lie is still a lie no matter how big or small, or the circumstances surrounding it. i agree with kitkat, it is best to not say anything at all, than to lie. i think i would be upset if i found out that someone told me even a little lie to spare my feelings. but that's just the kind of person i am, i'd rather hear complete truth, no matter how brutal or harsh it may seem. but again, that's just me

Edited August 19, 2004 by Speechless

[Speechless]

well, imho, if a person tells even one lie, then that person is a liar, if a person steals 'anything', no matter the value, then that person is a thief. if a person murders or rapes just one person, then that person is a murderer or a rapist. if we dont understand sin, or the reason it happens, that doesnt mean we are not sinners.

[cymba22]

I'm with whoever siad silence is the best option....it is better IMHO not to speak than lie....lying is 1 of the 7 things God most abhores.

[Guest sinner2saint]

I believe lying is wrong, regardless of the circumstances. It is impossible for God to lie (Heb. 6:18). Lying is of the devil (John 8:44).

[Work in Progress]

Would you tell a little white lie to spare a friend/family member some embarrassment?

Of course. Sometimes Christians get hung up on these silly and petty little things. Do you really think, when God wrote about lying, that He meant this? Let's use some common sense. God was dealing with evil - is it really evil to spare a friends feelings? How about turning that logic around and using a Scripture verse that says to exhort and be loving and supportive?

God isn't sitting on His throne, waiting to throw a punch at you because you told someone that yes, they look slimmer. Or that you are busy at a certain time, to avoid being taken advantage of and avoid a big fight. Too many people get hung up on this little legalistic stuff. JMO.