Yeah… sometimes, I think it’s okay to lie in order not to hurt someone’s feelings, especially when the lie is small and over a trivial matter, like a person’s appearance.
Never
sadly, yes
There are always other options.
According to the bible: NO. If you trust God, you need to trust Him completely – even if the truth will put you in prision or worse. There really is no justification if you are desiring to please God, any infraction is really disobedience and rebellion. One of my favorite sayings, if you use the devils weapons, expect to get his results. God is truth, there are no lies found in Him.
I think sometimes it is….if you don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings by telling them they don’t look good in that outfit…but the tricky part is when you try to define when it’s ok and when it’s not ok. Or when lying becomes such a habit that you lie about even the tiniest of things. Everyone lies though…..people who say they don’t are lying.
HAS YOUR WIFE EVER ASKED IF SHE LOOKS FAT IN SOMETHING?
hey cool xanga
if you want you can come and join my xanga to talk about movies and im trying to start a blogring so join it if you want hot_guys_and_girls
~Chris J
Your child is 4 years old and walks in on you and your spouse while having sex…. and proceeds to ask what was going on. What would you tell them? If I had a four year old, I would definitely NOT tell them at that age what was going on. I mean, I know the chances of something like this happening is slim, but it does happen. Anyhow, thats my lame example. Other than that, no.
There are times when you dont want to hurt someones feelings. at those times lying might be okay. If they’re asking you if they look fat in those jeans, and they do, then just tell them! they want the truth! but over small things that you know dont really matter i think telling a little white lie is fine.
yes..
my grandpa was really old like 75 and couldnt see good so we told him once you turned 75 you had to get your license taken away. it was for the better of everyone.
Yes. When a rapist asks you where your sister lives.
yeah
If it is in the best interest of the person you are lying to—sometimes the truth is just too much for a person to handle.
OFCOURSE, Dan. Sometimes you HAVE to lie.
I think my friend walked in on his parents having sex when he was younger… explains why he’s screwed up today…
I lie when I don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve said, “No, those pants don’t make you look fat,” to people.
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor,” doesn’t include any stipulations, but Rahab was called righteous, and she hid Israelite spies. Clearly, we can use that as our model to justify lying to protect innocent lives.
No, you shouldn’t lie no matter what. You should be tactful though if a truthful answer could be hurtful … or keep your mouth shut completely.
For all of you who say you’ll lie to save someone’s feelings… don’t you think it would hurt their feelings if they found out you lied to them? Just curious…
Also, there is a difference between being honest and brutally honest.
Yes, there are a lot of circumstances such as many listed above that make it okay.
RYC: I am finally able to get in there. I was getting so annoyed just because it WOULDN’T let me. Hmmmph! Ha ha ha ha!!!!
And I forgot……did you see my videos from yesterday? I was so proud of myself to finally figure THAT out! Tee hee hee!
Truth is the best answer, no matter what the consequences will be.
yeah
I cant stand lying, my 13 yr old does it all the time.
Never.
Yup.
I’ll argue yes there are some cases but I avoid it
and here I am trying to come up with a good thing to say about lying and all i can think of to say is: Yea sometimes. I disappoint myself sometimes.
Seems to me Rahab did when she hid those two Israelites in Jericho. She was rewarded with her life! Didn’t Tamar lie to Judah when she pretended to be a prostitute? Both of them were ancestors of Jesus. I guess my problem is I don’t know when its a good idea and when it isn’t. Guess for me the answer would be no.
yep!
some hot famase person lost there memorie and they ask there biggest fan, Who are you? are we married?
that person would say…”Yea were marrried!!!”
IMAGINATYION NATION!1!!
><
yes
Yes, clearly. Even when I was in Catholic school, my religion teacher explained to us that in some circumstances it was okay to tell a lie, as long as noone was getting hurt as a result (a white lie). As an example she told us about how she told her daughter she went to JC Penny’s and bought her rather than, y’know, doing it with her dad.
Yes.
absolutely…if the situation calls for a lie to be told, it is ok. example: during world war 2, nazi german officials conduct a house to house search for jews. they come to one house and ask if there are any jews in the house. this particular house is hiding 3 or 4 jews in their attic. now, if they were to NOT tell a lie, these jews would most likely be killed, as well as the family hiding them. but a simple “no, there are no jews” (which is obviosuly a lie) could lead to the family being unharmed as well as the jews hiding in the attic. all in all, it depends on the situation.
Yes, when telling the truth would be unkind or impolite. So when you attend a supper and the hostess hopes that you enjoyed everything, you say “yes,” even though brussel sprouts make you puke and you have secretly hidden them in a wad in your purse which you hope she can’t smell.
I guess. If you’re trying not to hurt someone or their feelings. OR in a situation where someone’s life may be in danger or put at risk.
I suppose when it’s for someone’s good or when it would avoid needlessly hurting someone’s feelings. I don’t like to lie at all though.
look at rahab in the old testament. she lied about the fact that the she was giving shelter to the spies. but God still worked through that. so in answer to the question. i would say no. telling a lie is never ok, it is in fact as much of a sin as murder. but God still uses sin to bring about his predetermined will.
Hmmm …. not really. But we all do it, don’t we!? Susan <><
No. Sometimes silence is the best bet.
Yes
no….yet in todays society yes its quite acceptable it seems…you wonder where ones moral standards have flown off to
I used to think little lies where ok.. until .. they grow into big lies. .and with those lies..you need to cover with other ones. So no.. lying at all is wrong. Matter of fact…i made a vow recentl to never lie to my husband again. Lying just hurts people. I understand now why God said we shouldn’t lie. It brings in alot of hurt.
Yes and No. When I tell a lie – even to protect someone elses feelings – I still feel some guilt. If it is to protect a family member then I am fine. I am a really bad liar though – I tend to smile… lol
Depends. What do you think of Rahab’s lie?
Not too sure… but we live and learn.
I lie to my Grandma sometimes to make her feel better….but my employee has been lying to me about using the gas card for personal use and that AINT okay!
?
camouflage in wartime (lies to the enemy about where and what you are) orthodontics before dating (lies to potential mates about your reproductive DNA)
?
i really don’t think so…but who am i to talk, i have lied before so i can’t really say much
Yeah, but only in certain circumstances.
only if it’s tomake someone feel better.
like if your friend asks you what you think of the cookies she baked especially for you and really you think they are disgusting and burnt, it’s okay to tell him/her that you like them. in situations like this, lying is a way of not hurting someone’s feelings.
however if you’re good enough friends, you should be able to tell him/her that the cookies need some work. and you’ll help them make some more another time.
yes.
Yes
“NO. If you trust God, you need to trust Him completely – even if the truth will put you in prision or worse. There really is no justification if you are desiring to please God, any infraction is really disobedience and rebellion. One of my favorite sayings, if you use the devils weapons, expect to get his results. God is truth, there are no lies found in Him”
….I disagree
Rahab hid the spies from Joshua’s army from Jericho.
Jacob Lied to Isaac to get his brother’s blessing by putting goat skins on his. (Because God told Rebecca that he intended the blessing for Jacob)…
Ehud was an assasin that entered the presence of the Moabite king under false pretense
Well… Yes. In very rare cases, it is. Such as when people were hiding Jews and slaves and such, they had to lie to the people who were looking for them. Those were cases in which the recipient of the lie had lost the right to know the truth, I believe.
Yes
No, not really. I agree with other people’s comment when they say, “there’s always an alternative”. I also believe that even though the truth hurts, you’re better off for it. I mean would you want to be lied to when you asked a question-a question in which you wanted the truth to begin with?
~Pesky
Yes…there are times when it`s unavoidable. At least for me.
“No, those pants don’t make your ass look big! “
True. That ass makes your pants look big.
Yeah if you don’t want to hurt someone.
Candy
When someone shows you pictures of their baby…and the child is really homely….Time for a small lie?
Yes, if you are trying to spare someones feelings.
yes
When you’re hiding a Jewish family in a secret room and the nazis at your door ask if there’s anyone else in your house.
You have to say no. Telling the truth in this situation would be immoral or perhaps even evil.
well, unfortunately yes, because when your lie makes someone feel better, its ok. like if someone asks how their cooking is, and its horrible, but you say its good, then that lie is ok.
nah
no.
I think so… there are some truths that can be dangerous, or that simply do not need to be made known. Religiously and morally, it’s probably wrong, but practically, I think there are times when you have to lie.
i think obviously yes
hunny, do i look fat in this?….yeahhhhhhh
was it as good for you as it was for me?
you’re the best i’ve ever had!
are those lies?
no
the right answer would be no its not ok…but honestly I think it depends on the situation…if telling the truth will destroy that person then its better to spare them and come clean later when its not a damaging.
Yes, when protecting yourself or a loved one from someone that wants to do you harm. Just read about Rahab the harlot.
larry
Example…
Me: “So, what kind of camera and stuff do you want to go with it.” Mike: “We don’t have the money for that already, do we?” Me: “No, of course not.”
A week or so later, the surprise and having the chance to have gotten him exactly what he wanted? Made that one little lie not so bad.
That one’s called, “justification.”
i think little white lies (or you could just call it evading the truth) have their place. the better question is: is lying by omission better than lying by comission?
Yes, to protect people’s feelings.
yes.. don’t tell me anyone can live through telling a dying mother that her son’s a sick gay with HIV on her death bed… it depends on situation, that’s what i’m tryin to say… White lies… or simply lies, its up to individual.
I don’t know yet…give me a few years =]
Telling a lie is ok when a friend asks me if I think she is fat. LOL.
possibly..
Lying isn’t okay, but there are some times when it is absolutely nessicary.
[ariana]
to the Law’s standard–no, it’s never okay. to my standards–on rare occassions–yes, it’s okay.
Haha to “When a rapist asks where your sister lives” That’s definitely a time to lie. Sometimes if a friend makes a big mistake I say it will be alright when really I don’t know. I wish my boyfriend would lie when I ask him if I’m fat, that would be great… if I was a man I would always say “NO YOU DON’T LOOK FAT” no matter what… he needs to learn to do that. Hehe
Yes and no, it depends, I try to be honest and say the truth to people. But some people can’t handle the truth
yes, especially to save someone’s life
yes
i try not to. . . but most likely yes.
Yes
of course
sometimes. It really stinks though when you know the person is lying. Then what do you say??
Is there ever a time we know the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
Yes, if you’re a super hero you need to lie about your secret identy both because you cannot save people 24/7 and to protect your loved ones from your enemies. (Can you tell I have Superman on the brain today?)
the truth sets you free from the traps of lies. telling the truth is always easier than trying to remember all the lies you have told.
of course.
When people were hiding the Jews from the Nazis?
Yes. When you are sparing someone’s feelings. “White Lies”
it’s never ‘right’.
but sometimes it keeps bad things from happening. which is just an excuse. but if the lie will prevent someone from dying, i think i would have to stand before Jesus and take whatever He had to say. like, Holocaust for instance. ‘are you hiding Jews?’. that’s all i can really think of.
KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF MY DOOBIE!!!!
After reading Gandhi’s autobiography, “My Experiments with Truth,” I have learned to value truth above any other value. It’s a wonderful book–try it!
always
i know that lying is morally wrong but i can see how you could lie to protect the ones you love from harm…not like no hunny i didnt sleep with a hooker last nite but…something more…serious…i dunno
There are always clever ways of obscuring the truth which arent lying.
“No those jeans don’t make you look fat.”
I like to call my strategy stretching the truth.
Yes, in the interest of National Security, Lying to catch a thief, Telling her you will still respect her in the morning, The Check is in the mail, and I promise I won’t **blank** in your mouth
If it’s a lie that will benefit you and others, sure.
“Thou shalt not bare false witness.” So, God says no, and I’ll side with God on this issue. The ends DO NOT ever justify the means.
Depends.
Are all actors inherently sinners BECAUSE they are actors?
Did Rahab sin BECAUSE she lied, even though it saved two spies’ lives?
“Haha to ‘When a rapist asks where your sister lives’ That’s definitely a time to lie.” Not necessarily. Why? /
‘There are always clever ways of obscuring the truth which arent lying” Heck yes! My habitual route!
yes
No
It depends. If you want to make someone feel better about themselves or not hurt their feelings, it is okay. Like when I was younger I’d make these ‘meals’ that would consist of almost everything in my kitchen. And my dad was always the one who tests them out. He’d say that it was the best meal ever when really, we all know, it probably wasn’t even edible.
If it doesn’t hurt anyone or if it’s a white lie and you’re talking to someone who can’t take the truth or needs the lie as encouragement.
yes
Yeah, there is, when it is for a good cause.
If some creepy guy asks you what sort of underwear you’re wearing.
If said creepy guy won’t leave you alone until you give him your phone number.
And I must agree with the person who said “When a rapist asks you where your sister lives.”
“Am I getting fat?”
It is never alright, but there are times when it is understood. For instance, to help somebody else, I think God would excuse that a little easier than if you were just lying to get yourself out of trouble. I’m not entirely sure though. I’ll ask my dad. Rowan
Not if you want to go to Heaven.
Because remember… “Revelation, Revelation. 21:8, 21:8. Liars go to Hell, liars go to Hell. Burn burn burn, burn burn burn”.
yes.
“where do babies come from?”
“the stork brings them hunny..”
If it’s to save someone’s life (saying other people in the house are out of town if you’re being robbed at gunpoint, people hiding Jews, etc. during the Holocaust), then duh. Of course.
Other than that “Did you cum?” is a pretty good question to lie about.
And also, back home (Philippines) this weird, creepy guy was stalking me on a vacation. He would constantly follow me when I was alone and ask for my name, number, etc. etc. One time he cornered me and wouldn’t let me go until I gave him all that information. I made up a name and gave him an 1-800 number from back in the US (he had no idea, he’d never been outside the country). He let me go.
Anyone who says that was wrong and that I’m “going to hell” for doing so needs to be promptly fucked up the ass with a yardstick.
Ughhh….. Tough question. As much as I hate lying, I have to say Yes… There are times when lying is okay.
yes, but i don’t want to give an example im too tired
Yes there are times. I try not to, but sometimes it’s just necessary.
Well of course… You’re the most talented poster on xanga.
yes, to preserve someone else’s life, to preserve someone’s feelings…. to protect others, and to show love
Yes.
I can’t think of many off the top of my head, but they just come to you; you know when the time’s right.
Kids!
It is okay to lie to your kids under certain circumstances.
If your daughter asks you if she can be president one day, what do you say? ‘No, there’s no way that could ever happen’? You have to just go along with it.
Yes, the Jewish Sages said in order to preserve life, every command of Scripture may be broken, except for idolatry, adultery, and murder (Yoma 85b; Sanhedrin 74a). The Sages applied the principle “You shall therefore keep my statutes and ordinances, which if a man do he shall live by them” (Leviticus18:5) to all the laws of the Torah. I tend to agree.
If Nazis were knocking on my door and I had Jews in my basement, it would be my obligation to lie. If I didn’t, I would be held partly responsible for the deaths of those Jews.
hahah i liked “creed of kings” answerr lmao but uhm yea. wen u open a present u hate u pretend u like it. wen u eat at someones house and the food is bad, u le and say its great. stuff like that…if ur trying to not hurt someones feelings. then yes, lie.
Sometimes it’s clear that someone wants to be lied to, but other than that, no.
No. The truth is always a better course.
yes~small white lies to avoid hurting feelings….
yes.
This is something I’m currently asking myself. I told a lie to protect a friend of mine, but she found out anyway, and now I have seriously hurt her. All because I was trying to protect her.
It depends on the situation, I believe.
well.. i see my parents lie all the time when on the phone.. especially because we dont have caller id.. we pick up the phone and someone asks for my dad or my mom.. and we say oh they’re not home when they are to avoid things…
Dan you’re site is wonderful!
Rarely. In the case of saving someone’s life or safety, sure. Little white lies to spare their feelings are NOT. I hate it when people I know, especially people I care about, lie to me, even if it’s the smallest lie. I can learn to accept the truth, whatever it may be, much more easily than I can learn to accept that I can no longer trust a friend.
I’d imagine so.
Yes, but use with discretion.
We must remember that the Bible, including the 10 Commandments, is not ultimate. Only God is ulitimate. I preached on that last month, and I don’t think people got it.
But I guess if you’re Southern Baptist, you wouldn’t get it either.
No, however, you have the right to remain silent.
Sometimes!!Like you don’t want to hurt the other person’s feelings!!
*Ashtin*
A lot of times.
Yes.
no
yes
ok, I lied. no.
yes,when it involves some1′s safety
Do you think I’m fat?
nah.
If the truth is going to do a lot of damage then I don’t see the harm in a lie as long as the lie is temporary. That is, until you can find a way to tell the truth AND soften the blow….lie.
Yes
sure….as long as it isn’t hurting anyone…like: Where did you buy that shirt? A: Neimans (but I actually got it on sale at JC Penny) See that didnt hurt anyone Or: Do you think this outfit looks good on me? A: Yeah, it really accents your eyes! (But, it makes your butt look like its taking up 2 zip codes) Its just life Dan
it really does depend…..in a case where youre lying to help someone, then it might be okay. but wut if you end up hurting someone you love, when you think youre doing the right thing, it will really d more damage than good. i jus try to never lie to people. theyll take you more seriously and itll really help you and the person in the future.
How about just some tricky talking?
Yes, to save someone’s life or to protect your’s or someone elses physical safety (for example, I don’t think it would be wrong for a woman trying to escape an abusive husband to lie! Her other option might be death.) But other than that, absolutely not!
when it saves your ass
absolutely….my grandmother hid jews in her house in germany during the war…always lied about it.
It depends on the consequences. Ideally no, but there is no definite line between any two things in life.
> That depends…..
Peace
God says no!1 Cor. 10:13 (NIV) No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. Of I am not perfect and do find myself lying instead of being strong. This reminds me of Cory Tin Bom.
Hey What_does_God_look_like, I see your post and raise you a Rahab…
Yes…but it’s not very good but yes there is always a time for a white lie.
no
Aye. Think of Rahab the Harlot. She lied to the people that were looking for the spies in order to save them. Now think of every time someone God was using sinned, especially those that disobeyed God in order to accomplish a purpose (ie Moses striking the rock instead of talking to it). All the times one of God’s people disobeyed Him, it was recorded that there was a punishment. When Rahab lied to the guards, though, she received not a punishment, but the reward of being able to become one of Christ’s ancestors.
Additionally, there is a reason that the commandment does not just come out and say “do not lie.” It says not to “bear false witness against your neighbor.” This means that it is OK to lie to someone who is your enemy, whether in a time of war, or if they’re threatening your life or the lives of others. The “against” part is a little shady, as one could say that you could lie to your friend in order to do them some good, but that would be something I would want to avoid, even if it is wrong.
There are times when lies save lives, especially in wartime. If lying is 100% wrong all the time, then what the people in Germany were doing during the Holocaust, hiding the Jews from the Gestapo, was wrong and against God’s will. Think about that.
Thank about it. Do you want to hurt someone or just tell them what they want to hear? i say sometimes.
Just now I realize how long my comments are compared to other peoples’….
I’d like to add that it is not right to lie to someone for their ego’s wellbeing. If they ask if the dress makes them look fat, and it does, you should not say no. You should not just come out and say “Yes,” either, though. That’s insensitive. Say something like, “I dunno, maybe this one might look better.” When people ask questions like that, they’re normally asking for your opinion, not an ego boost. And if they’re asking for an ego boost, they deserve your blunt opinion
I believe the bible teaches there are times it is okay. When the person you are responding to has no right to the truth and the evil that would result from truth is greater than the lie, I believe one must lie. God would not be pleased if the telling of truth resulted in the harm of innocents.
yes, when u absolutely positively cannot say ne thinG “pointing the finger” happens to be the best lie hehehehehe
nope
Thou shalt not lie.
White lies. I totally agree with imopinionated.
yes when it is too protect another
Lengthy, but I actually read everyone else’s comments, so I’m not being repetitive…
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your soul, and all your mind” and “Love your neighbour as yourself” are explicitly stated by Jesus to be the greatest (may I translate that “highest”?) commandments. “Do not bear false testimony against your neighbour.” is also a solemn commandment given to us, but even aside from the “lying is different than bearing false testimony against your neighbour” loophole, I would suggest that it is not as important as the greatest commandment.
Another thought – with a train barreling down on you, nobody would blame you for punching a dear friend in the face to get them off the railroad tracks they are trying to commit suicide on. Oh wait, punching people in the face is generally considered wrong. Ah, but in this situation there is a more important law at stake. So why can’t I tell a lie to achieve the same effect?
One more: God never told anyone to lie in the bible, but he certainly told Samuel to decieve Saul. (See 1 Samuel 16, AKA “Stories They Don’t Teach in Sunday School for Good Reasons 104)
NEVER–even to the death!!! causes too much confusion, pain, or something negative. and, for instance, if like creed of kings asks where the sis lives, just dont answer!!!
yes
this was on the show “8 rules to dating my teenage daughters” where bridget wants to date a smart guy
but he likes a pony girl and they have a debate in class
and the ponygirl says something about people lying about hiding jews to the police
Comments (197)
Maybe… I try not to.
No, those pants don’t make your ass look big!
Yep.
“Am I going to be alright?”
“Are you hiding slaves?”
“Does this dress make me look fat?”
Sometimes
There shouldn’t be…but in our society, there is.
Yeah… sometimes, I think it’s okay to lie in order not to hurt someone’s feelings, especially when the lie is small and over a trivial matter, like a person’s appearance.
Never
sadly, yes
There are always other options.
According to the bible: NO. If you trust God, you need to trust Him completely – even if the truth will put you in prision or worse. There really is no justification if you are desiring to please God, any infraction is really disobedience and rebellion. One of my favorite sayings, if you use the devils weapons, expect to get his results. God is truth, there are no lies found in Him.
not if your a mom
hehehe i am so funny but sometimes it is
Spider-man 3 trailer! http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony_pictures/spider-man_3/
Meh. Sorta.
“Was it good for you?”
HAHA.
Yes
Yes, …. “How is my cooking?”
I think sometimes it is….if you don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings by telling them they don’t look good in that outfit…but the tricky part is when you try to define when it’s ok and when it’s not ok. Or when lying becomes such a habit that you lie about even the tiniest of things. Everyone lies though…..people who say they don’t are lying.
HAS YOUR WIFE EVER ASKED IF SHE LOOKS FAT IN SOMETHING?
hey cool xanga
if you want you can come and join my xanga to talk about movies and im trying to start a blogring so join it if you want hot_guys_and_girls
~Chris J
Your child is 4 years old and walks in on you and your spouse while having sex…. and proceeds to ask what was going on. What would you tell them? If I had a four year old, I would definitely NOT tell them at that age what was going on. I mean, I know the chances of something like this happening is slim, but it does happen. Anyhow, thats my lame example. Other than that, no.
There are times when you dont want to hurt someones feelings. at those times lying might be okay. If they’re asking you if they look fat in those jeans, and they do, then just tell them! they want the truth! but over small things that you know dont really matter i think telling a little white lie is fine.
yes..
my grandpa was really old like 75 and couldnt see good so we told him once you turned 75 you had to get your license taken away. it was for the better of everyone.
Yes. When a rapist asks you where your sister lives.
yeah
If it is in the best interest of the person you are lying to—sometimes the truth is just too much for a person to handle.
OFCOURSE, Dan. Sometimes you HAVE to lie.
I think my friend walked in on his parents having sex when he was younger… explains why he’s screwed up today…
I lie when I don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve said, “No, those pants don’t make you look fat,” to people.
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor,” doesn’t include any stipulations, but Rahab was called righteous, and she hid Israelite spies. Clearly, we can use that as our model to justify lying to protect innocent lives.
No, you shouldn’t lie no matter what. You should be tactful though if a truthful answer could be hurtful … or keep your mouth shut completely.
For all of you who say you’ll lie to save someone’s feelings… don’t you think it would hurt their feelings if they found out you lied to them? Just curious…
Also, there is a difference between being honest and brutally honest.
Yes, there are a lot of circumstances such as many listed above that make it okay.
RYC: I am finally able to get in there. I was getting so annoyed just because it WOULDN’T let me. Hmmmph! Ha ha ha ha!!!!
And I forgot……did you see my videos from yesterday? I was so proud of myself to finally figure THAT out! Tee hee hee!
Truth is the best answer, no matter what the consequences will be.
yeah
I cant stand lying, my 13 yr old does it all the time.
Never.
Yup.
I’ll argue yes there are some cases but I avoid it
and here I am trying to come up with a good thing to say about lying and all i can think of to say is: Yea sometimes. I disappoint myself sometimes.
Seems to me Rahab did when she hid those two Israelites in Jericho. She was rewarded with her life! Didn’t Tamar lie to Judah when she pretended to be a prostitute? Both of them were ancestors of Jesus. I guess my problem is I don’t know when its a good idea and when it isn’t. Guess for me the answer would be no.
yep!
some hot famase person lost there memorie and they ask there biggest fan, Who are you? are we married?
that person would say…”Yea were marrried!!!”
IMAGINATYION NATION!1!!
><
yes
Yes, clearly. Even when I was in Catholic school, my religion teacher explained to us that in some circumstances it was okay to tell a lie, as long as noone was getting hurt as a result (a white lie). As an example she told us about how she told her daughter she went to JC Penny’s and bought her rather than, y’know, doing it with her dad.
Yes.
absolutely…if the situation calls for a lie to be told, it is ok. example: during world war 2, nazi german officials conduct a house to house search for jews. they come to one house and ask if there are any jews in the house. this particular house is hiding 3 or 4 jews in their attic. now, if they were to NOT tell a lie, these jews would most likely be killed, as well as the family hiding them. but a simple “no, there are no jews” (which is obviosuly a lie) could lead to the family being unharmed as well as the jews hiding in the attic.
all in all, it depends on the situation.
Yes, when telling the truth would be unkind or impolite. So when you attend a supper and the hostess hopes that you enjoyed everything, you say “yes,” even though brussel sprouts make you puke and you have secretly hidden them in a wad in your purse which you hope she can’t smell.
I guess. If you’re trying not to hurt someone or their feelings. OR in a situation where someone’s life may be in danger or put at risk.
I suppose when it’s for someone’s good or when it would avoid needlessly hurting someone’s feelings. I don’t like to lie at all though.
look at rahab in the old testament. she lied about the fact that the she was giving shelter to the spies. but God still worked through that. so in answer to the question. i would say no. telling a lie is never ok, it is in fact as much of a sin as murder. but God still uses sin to bring about his predetermined will.
Hmmm …. not really. But we all do it, don’t we!? Susan <><
No. Sometimes silence is the best bet.
Yes
no….yet in todays society yes its quite acceptable it seems…you wonder where ones moral standards have flown off to
I used to think little lies where ok.. until .. they grow into big lies. .and with those lies..you need to cover with other ones. So no.. lying at all is wrong. Matter of fact…i made a vow recentl to never lie to my husband again. Lying just hurts people. I understand now why God said we shouldn’t lie. It brings in alot of hurt.
Yes and No. When I tell a lie – even to protect someone elses feelings – I still feel some guilt. If it is to protect a family member then I am fine. I am a really bad liar though – I tend to smile… lol
Depends. What do you think of Rahab’s lie?
Not too sure… but we live and learn.
I lie to my Grandma sometimes to make her feel better….but my employee has been lying to me about using the gas card for personal use and that AINT okay!
?
camouflage in wartime (lies to the enemy about where and what you are)
orthodontics before dating (lies to potential mates about your reproductive DNA)
?
i really don’t think so…but who am i to talk, i have lied before so i can’t really say much
Yeah, but only in certain circumstances.
only if it’s tomake someone feel better.
like if your friend asks you what you think of the cookies she baked especially for you and really you think they are disgusting and burnt, it’s okay to tell him/her that you like them. in situations like this, lying is a way of not hurting someone’s feelings.
however if you’re good enough friends, you should be able to tell him/her that the cookies need some work. and you’ll help them make some more another time.
yes.
Yes
“NO. If you trust God, you need to trust Him completely – even if the truth will put you in prision or worse. There really is no justification if you are desiring to please God, any infraction is really disobedience and rebellion. One of my favorite sayings, if you use the devils weapons, expect to get his results. God is truth, there are no lies found in Him”
….I disagree
Rahab hid the spies from Joshua’s army from Jericho.
Jacob Lied to Isaac to get his brother’s blessing by putting goat skins on his. (Because God told Rebecca that he intended the blessing for Jacob)…
Ehud was an assasin that entered the presence of the Moabite king under false pretense
Well… Yes. In very rare cases, it is. Such as when people were hiding Jews and slaves and such, they had to lie to the people who were looking for them. Those were cases in which the recipient of the lie had lost the right to know the truth, I believe.
Yes
No, not really. I agree with other people’s comment when they say, “there’s always an alternative”. I also believe that even though the truth hurts, you’re better off for it. I mean would you want to be lied to when you asked a question-a question in which you wanted the truth to begin with?
~Pesky
Yes…there are times when it`s unavoidable. At least for me.
“No, those pants don’t make your ass look big! “
True. That ass makes your pants look big.
Yeah if you don’t want to hurt someone.
Candy
When someone shows you pictures of their baby…and the child is really homely….Time for a small lie?
Yes, if you are trying to spare someones feelings.
yes
When you’re hiding a Jewish family in a secret room and the nazis at your door ask if there’s anyone else in your house.
You have to say no. Telling the truth in this situation would be immoral or perhaps even evil.
well, unfortunately yes, because when your lie makes someone feel better, its ok. like if someone asks how their cooking is, and its horrible, but you say its good, then that lie is ok.
nah
no.
I think so… there are some truths that can be dangerous, or that simply do not need to be made known. Religiously and morally, it’s probably wrong, but practically, I think there are times when you have to lie.
i think obviously yes
hunny, do i look fat in this?….yeahhhhhhh
was it as good for you as it was for me?
you’re the best i’ve ever had!
are those lies?
no
the right answer would be no its not ok…but honestly I think it depends on the situation…if telling the truth will destroy that person then its better to spare them and come clean later when its not a damaging.
Yes, when protecting yourself or a loved one from someone that wants to do you harm. Just read about Rahab the harlot.
larry
Example…
Me: “So, what kind of camera and stuff do you want to go with it.”
Mike: “We don’t have the money for that already, do we?”
Me: “No, of course not.”
A week or so later, the surprise and having the chance to have gotten him exactly what he wanted? Made that one little lie not so bad.
That one’s called, “justification.”
i think little white lies (or you could just call it evading the truth) have their place. the better question is: is lying by omission better than lying by comission?
Yes, to protect people’s feelings.
yes.. don’t tell me anyone can live through telling a dying mother that her son’s a sick gay with HIV on her death bed… it depends on situation, that’s what i’m tryin to say… White lies… or simply lies, its up to individual.
I don’t know yet…give me a few years =]
Telling a lie is ok when a friend asks me if I think she is fat. LOL.
possibly..
Lying isn’t okay, but there are some times when it is absolutely nessicary.
[ariana]
to the Law’s standard–no, it’s never okay.
to my standards–on rare occassions–yes, it’s okay.
Haha to “When a rapist asks where your sister lives” That’s definitely a time to lie. Sometimes if a friend makes a big mistake I say it will be alright when really I don’t know. I wish my boyfriend would lie when I ask him if I’m fat, that would be great… if I was a man I would always say “NO YOU DON’T LOOK FAT” no matter what… he needs to learn to do that. Hehe
Yes and no, it depends, I try to be honest and say the truth to people. But some people can’t handle the truth
yes, especially to save someone’s life
yes
i try not to. . . but most likely yes.
Yes
of course
sometimes. It really stinks though when you know the person is lying. Then what do you say??
Is there ever a time we know the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
Yes, if you’re a super hero you need to lie about your secret identy both because you cannot save people 24/7 and to protect your loved ones from your enemies. (Can you tell I have Superman on the brain today?)
the truth sets you free from the traps of lies. telling the truth is always easier than trying to remember all the lies you have told.
of course.
When people were hiding the Jews from the Nazis?
Yes. When you are sparing someone’s feelings. “White Lies”
it’s never ‘right’.
but sometimes it keeps bad things from happening. which is just an excuse. but if the lie will prevent someone from dying, i think i would have to stand before Jesus and take whatever He had to say. like, Holocaust for instance. ‘are you hiding Jews?’. that’s all i can really think of.
KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF MY DOOBIE!!!!
After reading Gandhi’s autobiography, “My Experiments with Truth,” I have learned to value truth above any other value. It’s a wonderful book–try it!
always
i know that lying is morally wrong but i can see how you could lie to protect the ones you love from harm…not like no hunny i didnt sleep with a hooker last nite but…something more…serious…i dunno
There are always clever ways of obscuring the truth which arent lying.
“No those jeans don’t make you look fat.”
I like to call my strategy stretching the truth.
Yes, in the interest of National Security, Lying to catch a thief, Telling her you will still respect her in the morning, The Check is in the mail, and I promise I won’t **blank** in your mouth
If it’s a lie that will benefit you and others, sure.
“Thou shalt not bare false witness.” So, God says no, and I’ll side with God on this issue. The ends DO NOT ever justify the means.
Depends.
Are all actors inherently sinners BECAUSE they are actors?
Did Rahab sin BECAUSE she lied, even though it saved two spies’ lives?
“Haha to ‘When a rapist asks where your sister lives’ That’s definitely a time to lie.”
Not necessarily. Why? /
‘There are always clever ways of obscuring the truth which arent lying”
Heck yes! My habitual route!
yes
No
It depends. If you want to make someone feel better about themselves or not hurt their feelings, it is okay. Like when I was younger I’d make these ‘meals’ that would consist of almost everything in my kitchen. And my dad was always the one who tests them out. He’d say that it was the best meal ever when really, we all know, it probably wasn’t even edible.
If it doesn’t hurt anyone or if it’s a white lie and you’re talking to someone who can’t take the truth or needs the lie as encouragement.
yes
Yeah, there is, when it is for a good cause.
If some creepy guy asks you what sort of underwear you’re wearing.
If said creepy guy won’t leave you alone until you give him your phone number.
And I must agree with the person who said “When a rapist asks you where your sister lives.”
“Am I getting fat?”
It is never alright, but there are times when it is understood. For instance, to help somebody else, I think God would excuse that a little easier than if you were just lying to get yourself out of trouble. I’m not entirely sure though. I’ll ask my dad.
Rowan
Not if you want to go to Heaven.
Because remember… “Revelation, Revelation. 21:8, 21:8. Liars go to Hell, liars go to Hell. Burn burn burn, burn burn burn”.
yes.
“where do babies come from?”
“the stork brings them hunny..”
If it’s to save someone’s life (saying other people in the house are out of town if you’re being robbed at gunpoint, people hiding Jews, etc. during the Holocaust), then duh. Of course.
Other than that “Did you cum?” is a pretty good question to lie about.
And also, back home (Philippines) this weird, creepy guy was stalking me on a vacation. He would constantly follow me when I was alone and ask for my name, number, etc. etc. One time he cornered me and wouldn’t let me go until I gave him all that information. I made up a name and gave him an 1-800 number from back in the US (he had no idea, he’d never been outside the country). He let me go.
Anyone who says that was wrong and that I’m “going to hell” for doing so needs to be promptly fucked up the ass with a yardstick.
Ughhh….. Tough question. As much as I hate lying, I have to say Yes… There are times when lying is okay.
yes, but i don’t want to give an example im too tired
Yes there are times. I try not to, but sometimes it’s just necessary.
Well of course… You’re the most talented poster on xanga.
yes, to preserve someone else’s life, to preserve someone’s feelings…. to protect others, and to show love
Yes.
I can’t think of many off the top of my head, but they just come to you; you know when the time’s right.
Kids!
It is okay to lie to your kids under certain circumstances.
If your daughter asks you if she can be president one day, what do you say? ‘No, there’s no way that could ever happen’? You have to just go along with it.
Yes, the Jewish Sages said in order to preserve life, every command of Scripture may be broken, except for idolatry, adultery, and murder (Yoma 85b; Sanhedrin 74a). The Sages applied the principle “You shall therefore keep my statutes and ordinances, which if a man do he shall live by them” (Leviticus18:5) to all the laws of the Torah. I tend to agree.
If Nazis were knocking on my door and I had Jews in my basement, it would be my obligation to lie. If I didn’t, I would be held partly responsible for the deaths of those Jews.
hahah i liked “creed of kings” answerr lmao
but uhm yea. wen u open a present u hate u pretend u like it.
wen u eat at someones house and the food is bad, u le and say its great.
stuff like that…if ur trying to not hurt someones feelings. then yes, lie.
Sometimes it’s clear that someone wants to be lied to, but other than that, no.
No. The truth is always a better course.
yes~small white lies to avoid hurting feelings….
yes.
This is something I’m currently asking myself. I told a lie to protect a friend of mine, but she found out anyway, and now I have seriously hurt her. All because I was trying to protect her.
It depends on the situation, I believe.
well.. i see my parents lie all the time when on the phone.. especially because we dont have caller id.. we pick up the phone and someone asks for my dad or my mom.. and we say oh they’re not home when they are to avoid things…
Dan you’re site is wonderful!
Rarely. In the case of saving someone’s life or safety, sure. Little white lies to spare their feelings are NOT. I hate it when people I know, especially people I care about, lie to me, even if it’s the smallest lie. I can learn to accept the truth, whatever it may be, much more easily than I can learn to accept that I can no longer trust a friend.
I’d imagine so.
Yes, but use with discretion.
We must remember that the Bible, including the 10 Commandments, is not ultimate. Only God is ulitimate. I preached on that last month, and I don’t think people got it.
But I guess if you’re Southern Baptist, you wouldn’t get it either.
No, however, you have the right to remain silent.
Sometimes!!Like you don’t want to hurt the other person’s feelings!!
*Ashtin*
A lot of times.
Yes.
no
yes
ok, I lied. no.
yes,when it involves some1′s safety
Do you think I’m fat?
nah.
If the truth is going to do a lot of damage then I don’t see the harm in a lie as long as the lie is temporary. That is, until you can find a way to tell the truth AND soften the blow….lie.
Yes
sure….as long as it isn’t hurting anyone…like: Where did you buy that shirt? A: Neimans (but I actually got it on sale at JC Penny) See that didnt hurt anyone
Or: Do you think this outfit looks good on me? A: Yeah, it really accents your eyes! (But, it makes your butt look like its taking up 2 zip codes) Its just life Dan 
it really does depend…..in a case where youre lying to help someone, then it might be okay. but wut if you end up hurting someone you love, when you think youre doing the right thing, it will really d more damage than good. i jus try to never lie to people. theyll take you more seriously and itll really help you and the person in the future.
How about just some tricky talking?
Yes, to save someone’s life or to protect your’s or someone elses physical safety (for example, I don’t think it would be wrong for a woman trying to escape an abusive husband to lie! Her other option might be death.) But other than that, absolutely not!
when it saves your ass
absolutely….my grandmother hid jews in her house in germany during the war…always lied about it.
It depends on the consequences. Ideally no, but there is no definite line between any two things in life.
> That depends…..
Peace
God says no!1 Cor. 10:13 (NIV) No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. Of I am not perfect and do find myself lying instead of being strong. This reminds me of Cory Tin Bom.
Hey What_does_God_look_like, I see your post and raise you a Rahab…
Yes…but it’s not very good but yes there is always a time for a white lie.
no
Aye. Think of Rahab the Harlot. She lied to the people that were looking for the spies in order to save them. Now think of every time someone God was using sinned, especially those that disobeyed God in order to accomplish a purpose (ie Moses striking the rock instead of talking to it). All the times one of God’s people disobeyed Him, it was recorded that there was a punishment. When Rahab lied to the guards, though, she received not a punishment, but the reward of being able to become one of Christ’s ancestors.
Additionally, there is a reason that the commandment does not just come out and say “do not lie.” It says not to “bear false witness against your neighbor.” This means that it is OK to lie to someone who is your enemy, whether in a time of war, or if they’re threatening your life or the lives of others. The “against” part is a little shady, as one could say that you could lie to your friend in order to do them some good, but that would be something I would want to avoid, even if it is wrong.
There are times when lies save lives, especially in wartime. If lying is 100% wrong all the time, then what the people in Germany were doing during the Holocaust, hiding the Jews from the Gestapo, was wrong and against God’s will. Think about that.
Thank about it. Do you want to hurt someone or just tell them what they want to hear? i say sometimes.
Just now I realize how long my comments are compared to other peoples’….
I’d like to add that it is not right to lie to someone for their ego’s wellbeing. If they ask if the dress makes them look fat, and it does, you should not say no. You should not just come out and say “Yes,” either, though. That’s insensitive. Say something like, “I dunno, maybe this one might look better.” When people ask questions like that, they’re normally asking for your opinion, not an ego boost. And if they’re asking for an ego boost, they deserve your blunt opinion
I believe the bible teaches there are times it is okay. When the person you are responding to has no right to the truth and the evil that would result from truth is greater than the lie, I believe one must lie. God would not be pleased if the telling of truth resulted in the harm of innocents.
yes, when u absolutely positively cannot say ne thinG “pointing the finger” happens to be the best lie hehehehehe
nope
Thou shalt not lie.
White lies. I totally agree with imopinionated.
yes when it is too protect another
Lengthy, but I actually read everyone else’s comments, so I’m not being repetitive…
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your soul, and all your mind” and “Love your neighbour as yourself” are explicitly stated by Jesus to be the greatest (may I translate that “highest”?) commandments.
“Do not bear false testimony against your neighbour.” is also a solemn commandment given to us, but even aside from the “lying is different than bearing false testimony against your neighbour” loophole, I would suggest that it is not as important as the greatest commandment.
Another thought – with a train barreling down on you, nobody would blame you for punching a dear friend in the face to get them off the railroad tracks they are trying to commit suicide on.
Oh wait, punching people in the face is generally considered wrong.
Ah, but in this situation there is a more important law at stake.
So why can’t I tell a lie to achieve the same effect?
One more: God never told anyone to lie in the bible, but he certainly told Samuel to decieve Saul. (See 1 Samuel 16, AKA “Stories They Don’t Teach in Sunday School for Good Reasons 104)
NEVER–even to the death!!! causes too much confusion, pain, or something negative. and, for instance, if like creed of kings asks where the sis lives, just dont answer!!!
yes
this was on the show “8 rules to dating my teenage daughters”
where bridget wants to date a smart guy
but he likes a pony girl
and they have a debate in class
and the ponygirl says something about people lying about hiding jews to the police
i never lie…even if it is for a “good purpose”
hey just ramodom comments i am bord…lol…cm…plz
uh…..yeah if it keeps you out of trouble!!!
uh…..yeah if it keeps you out of trouble!!!
no lies are white.
YES
les miserables.
yes
Yeah, like for surprises, security, and safety.