What does the Bible say about white lies? | GotQuestions.org

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Today's question is, what does the Bible say about white lies? In this video I'll answer that question from a biblical perspective.

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Then afterwards, as always, I'll share some helpful resources, so stick around until the end.

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We know lying is a sin—Leviticus 19, verse 11, and Proverbs 12, verse 22.

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But what about those little white lies that involve an ever -so -slight stretching of the truth?

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Do the small lies matter, or are they harmless? What if telling the truth might hurt someone?

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Lying is defined as making an untrue statement with the intent to deceive.

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A white lie is an untrue statement, but it is usually considered unimportant because it does not cover up a serious wrongdoing.

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A white lie is deceptive, but it may also be polite or diplomatic at the same time.

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It could be a tactful lie told to keep the peace in a relationship. It could be a helpful lie to ostensibly benefit someone else.

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It could be a minor lie to make oneself look better in some area. Some white lies are common—lying about one's age, for example, or the size of the fish that got away.

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We live in a society that conditions us to lie by telling us that, in many situations, lies are justified.

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The secretary covers for the boss who doesn't want to be disturbed. The salesman exaggerates the qualities of his product.

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The job applicant pads his resume. The reasoning is, as long as no one is hurt or the result is good, little lies are fine.

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It is true that some sins bring about worse consequences than others, and it is true that telling a white lie will not have the same serious effects as, say, murdering someone.

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But all sins are equally offensive to God—Romans 6, verse 23—and there are good reasons to avoid telling white lies.

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First, the belief that a white lie is helpful is rooted in the idea that the end justifies the means.

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If the lie results in a perceived good, then the lie was justified. However, God's condemnation of lying in Proverbs 6, verses 16 -19, contains no exception clause.

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Also, who defines the good that results from the lie? A salesman telling white lies may sell his product, a good thing for him, but what about the customer who was taken advantage of?

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Telling a white lie to be tactful or to spare someone's feelings is also a foolish thing to do.

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A person who consistently lies to make people feel good will eventually be seen for what he is—a liar.

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Those who traffic in white lies will damage their credibility. White lies have a way of propagating themselves.

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Telling more lies to cover up the original lie is standard procedure, and the lies get progressively less white.

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Trying to remember what lies were told to what person also complicates relationships and makes further lying even more likely.

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Telling a white lie to benefit oneself is nothing but selfishness. When our words are motivated by the pride of life, we are falling into temptation—1

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John 2, verse 16. Little white lies are often told to preserve the peace, as if telling the truth would in some way destroy peace.

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Yet the Bible presents truth and peace as existing together—love, truth, and peace—Zechariah 8, verse 19.

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Tellers of white lies believe they are speaking lies out of love. However, the Bible tells us to speak the truth in love—Ephesians 4, verse 15.

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Sometimes, telling the truth is not easy. In fact, it can be downright unpleasant. But we are called to be truth -tellers.

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Being truthful is precious to God. It demonstrates the fear of the Lord. Furthermore, to tell the truth is not a suggestion—it is a command.

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Being truthful flies in the face of Satan, the father of lies—John 8, verse 44.

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Being truthful honors the Lord, who is the God of truth—Psalm 31, verse 24.

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Want to learn more? Subscribe so you don't miss the next video! Visit GotQuestions .org for more great content.

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And check out the details section below this video, there you'll find one book I recommend, along with links to several related questions.

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