Lying viewpoint of the Bible

"A LITTLE INACCURATE SOMETIMES SAVES TONS OF EXPLANATION."

This comment shows the number of people who are there. Their reasoning is that lying isn't bad if it doesn't hurt anyone. Such considerations even have an academic name: situation ethics, which says that the only law you have to follow is the so-called law of love. In other words, writer Diane Komp explains: “If your motivation is right and your heart is right, then the fact that you are lying. . . It's not a big deal ".

This view is common in the world today. Scandals with lies by prominent politicians and other world leaders have shaken society. Influenced by this climate, many people relaxed their commitment to telling the truth. In some areas, lying has even become official policy. “You pay me to lie. I win sales contests and get great reviews for lying. . . . This seems to be the heart of commercial training everywhere, ”complains one salesperson. Many believe that so-called innocent little lies do no real harm. It is save? Are there times when Christians can be justified by lying?

The exalted standard of the Bible

The Bible strongly condemns all kinds of lies. "[God] will destroy those who lie," says the psalmist. (Psalm 5: 6; see Revelation 22:15.) At Proverbs 6: 16-19, the Bible lists seven things that Jehovah detests. "Wrong language" and "a false witness who tells lies" are high on this list. Because? Because Jehovah hates the evil caused by lying. This is one of the reasons Jesus called Satan a liar and a murderer. His lies plunged mankind into misery and death (Genesis 3: 4, 5; John 8:44; Romans 5:12).

What happened to Ananias and Safira underscores the seriousness with which Jehovah takes the lie. These two men deliberately lied to the apostles to appear more generous than they really were. His actions were deliberate and willful. The apostle Peter said: "You deceived yourself, not men, but God." Hence, both died at God's hands (Acts 5: 1-10).

Years later, the apostle Paul warned Christians: "Don't lie to one another." (Colossians 3: 9) This exhortation is particularly important in the Christian community. Jesus said that love of principle would be the hallmark of his true followers. (John 13:34, 35) This non-sanctimonious love can only grow and flourish in an environment of honesty and total trust. It is difficult to love someone when we cannot be sure that they are always telling us the truth.

While all lies are false, some lies are more serious than others. For example, a person may lie out of shame or fear. Another may viciously practice lying, hurting, or hurting with the intention of lying. Because of his malevolent motivation, this persistent liar is a danger to others and would be expelled from the community if he does not repent. Since not all lies are inspired by malice, care must be taken not to judge unnecessarily, but to ensure that all factors are known that are involved when someone tells a lie. Mitigating circumstances and reasons must be considered (James 2:13).

"Watch you like snakes"

Of course, being honest doesn't mean that we have to give all of the information to anyone who requests it. “Don't give holy things to the dogs, don't throw your pearls at the pigs so that they never arrive. . . Turn around and be open, ”Jesus warned in Matthew 7: 6. For example, people with bad intentions may not have the right to know certain things. Christians understand that they live in a hostile world. Therefore, Jesus advised his disciples to be "careful as snakes" and to remain "innocent as doves". (Matthew 10:16; John 15:19.) Jesus did not always reveal the complete truth, especially when the revelation of all the facts could have done him or his followers unnecessary harm. But even in those moments he didn't lie. Instead, he decided not to say anything or to turn the conversation around. --Matthew 15: 1-6; 21: 23-27; John 7: 3-10.

The faithful men and women mentioned in the Bible such as Abraham, Isaac, Rahab, and David were also shrewd and cautious of potential enemies. (Genesis 20: 11-13; 26: 9; Joshua 2: 1-6; 1 Samuel 21: 10-14) The Bible classifies these men and women as faithful worshipers whose lives were one of obedience. This makes them worthy of imitation (Romans 15: 4; Hebrews 11: 8-10, 20, 31, 32-39).

There can be times when lying seems like an easy way out. But Christians today would do well to follow the course of Jesus and follow his biblical conscience when faced with particularly difficult situations (Hebrews 5:14).

The Bible encourages us to be sincere and honest. Lying is wrong and we must follow the advice of the Bible: "Everyone speaks the truth to his neighbor." (Ephesians 4:25.) In doing so, we will maintain a clear conscience, promote peace and love in the church, and continue to honor the “God of truth.” - Psalm 31: 5; Hebrews 13:18.