Is deception ever acceptable?

[ManOfWord]

Originally Posted by Esther

What if it is to not tell confidential information?

If someone asks me a question about if I know something and I do, I'll tell them that I really can't go into details. If they then say they don't want the details, I tell them I really can't share any information about it.


People don't disrespect you for that, their respect for you increases. And if they ever need someone to talk to, they know who will keep a secret. It happens to me all the time.

I have had numerous people report to me in different job situations, and someone will always want you to lie for them. I simply tell them this: "You really don't want me to lie for you. Because if I would lie FOR you, I would lie TO you and you want to be able to trust me."

Let your yea be yea and your nay be nay. (isn't that in the bible?)

[LadyChocolate]

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

If someone asks me a question about if I know something and I do, I'll tell them that I really can't go into details. If they then say they don't want the details, I tell them I really can't share any information about it.


People don't disrespect you for that, their respect for you increases. And if they ever need someone to talk to, they know who will keep a secret. It happens to me all the time.

I have had numerous people report to me in different job situations, and someone will always want you to lie for them. I simply tell then this: "You really don't want me to lie for you. Because if I would lie FOR you, I would lie TO you and you want to be able to trust me."

Let your yea be yea and your nay be nay. (isn't that in the bible?)

Yea ...........it is!

What about when God told the Israelities to "borrow" gold, jewelry and other things before the exodus? Was that deception the same as lying? Or when Abram claimed Sarai was his sister? It was true, but it was a deceptive truth. Or when Jesus wouldn't repond to the claim that He was the Son of God?

I think we need to define what constitutes deception and lying here.
Fact is, some truths don't need to be spoken. That is not deception - it's wisdom.

[ManOfWord]

Originally Posted by Cotton Mather

What about when God told the Israelities to "borrow" gold, jewelry and other things before the exodus? Was that deception the same as lying? Or when Abram claimed Sarai was his sister? It was true, but it was a deceptive truth. Or when Jesus wouldn't repond to the claim that He was the Son of God?

I think we need to define what constitutes deception and lying here.
Fact is, some truths don't need to be spoken. That is not deception - it's wisdom.

Good point!!!

[Kutless]

Originally Posted by Cotton Mather

What about when God told the Israelities to "borrow" gold, jewelry and other things before the exodus? Was that deception the same as lying? Or when Abram claimed Sarai was his sister? It was true, but it was a deceptive truth. Or when Jesus wouldn't repond to the claim that He was the Son of God?

I think we need to define what constitutes deception and lying here.
Fact is, some truths don't need to be spoken. That is not deception - it's wisdom.

Great points Mr Cotton. But I'm pretty sure God has the authority to do what he wants.

Intetionally speaking things to mislead someone is what I'm wondering about. Some truths don't need to be spoken, I would agree. Then do just that, don't "spoke 'em" If you speak to mislead, IMHO its lying.

Other examples:

Rahab telling the soldiers the spies weren't in her house. They were actually in her attic. Just enough truth to muster a passing grade.

Aaron making the golden calf and claiming it originally was meant as a symbol of Jehovah.

Joseph blaming Benjamin for the loss of the cup, when in fact he had set up his own brother. Reconciliation took place, as well as real repentance from his brother, because of his "deception".

[OneAccord]

... then there is Annanias and Sapphira. They told a half truth by saying they sold their property for so much but actually had kept back part of the proceeds. God equated their half truth with an outright lie. And we know ALL liars have their part...even those who tell half lies and little white lies. Again...if the INTENT is to decieve..then its a lie.

[Barb]

Originally Posted by Cotton Mather

What about when God told the Israelities to "borrow" gold, jewelry and other things before the exodus? Was that deception the same as lying? Or when Abram claimed Sarai was his sister? It was true, but it was a deceptive truth. Or when Jesus wouldn't repond to the claim that He was the Son of God?

I think we need to define what constitutes deception and lying here.
Fact is, some truths don't need to be spoken. That is not deception - it's wisdom.

Well, you better go ahead...that is a great post!!

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by OneAccord

... then there is Annanias and Sapphira. They told a half truth by saying they sold their property for so much but actually had kept back part of the proceeds. God equated their half truth with an outright lie. And we know ALL liars have their part...even those who tell half lies and little white lies. Again...if the INTENT is to decieve..then its a lie.

Deceive, or mislead?

There was obvious intent to mislead in every situation Cotton Mather mentioned.

[HeavenlyOne]

Originally Posted by Chan

No.

Yes.

Sin is never "harmless": it has eternal consequences.

Motives are irrelevant. Deception is sin.

Because you are intentionally trying to get someone to believe something you know is not true, it's still a lie.

Shame on God for not punishing Abraham when he said that Sarah was his sister!