Is deception ever acceptable?

[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.

[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!!

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.

[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.

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Kutless

Is deception ever acceptable? Is misleading someone the same as telling a lie?
I have a family member who is a professional at doing this. Somebody will ask a question and they have this way of telling some but not all of the story. For whatever reason, usually harmless, but still not the whole truth in a way.

Sometimes I feel like they are genuinly trying to protect the other party or themselves. And sometimes I feel like this is a blatant overuse of some misguided power trip.

To cause someone to believe what is not true is still a lie. Right?

Deception is about dishonestly which is what a lie is. They are all catagorically the same sin

Not revealing all the facts is not necessarily deception

[Kutless]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

Deception is about dishonestly which is what a lie is. They are all catagorically the same sin

Not revealing all the facts is not necessarily deception

So it all comes down to wording.

[HeavenlyOne]

Originally Posted by Kutless

So it all comes down to wording.

And intent.