"Thou Shalt Not Lie"

The 9th Commandment is often quoted thus, as saying "Thou shalt not lie." But it does not say that. It says that we must not bear false witness.

While elsewhere in Scripture we are told that God hates a lying, deceitful tongue, this commandment specifically addresses witnesses. (Pr. 24:26)

And there is a vast difference between "Thou shalt not lie" and the condemnation of a lying tongue and a deceitful heart.

There are times to lie! There is never a time to be a liar. Just as there are times to kill, but never to be a murderer.

Look at the examples in Scripture of those who deceived the wicked for The Glory of God- and indeed, in obedience to God:

1. Jehu pretended to serve baal so that he could rid the land of servants of baal. (2 Kings 10)
   
2. Rahab lied to save the Hebrew spies (Joshua 6)
3. Ehud used deciet to come before Eglon. (Judges 3)
4. The Hebrew midwives lied to save Hebrew babies- and God blessed them for it! (Exodus 1)

Now, don't think that this then justifies lying to your mom about stealing the cookies. That is not only being dishonoring to your parents, but is also being deceitful for wicked ends. God hates these things.

Let us be shrewd...