White Lies

What is a white lie? A white lie is a perceivably harmless or trivial lie, especially one told to avoid hurting another person’s feelings. White lies are used to euphemize harsh truths, flatter, or appeal to a person’s emotion in a positive way. There are many people who use white lies in order to make other people feel better. They believe that because their goal is directed towards uplifting another person or reducing negative feelings, there is nothing wrong with what they are doing. They believe that the ends justify the means. However, although the intention behind a white lie is often good natured, the manner in which it is committed is still deceptive, and therefore violates the 9th commandment. A person who distorts the truth distorts all that God stands for. No matter how well-intending one might be, it is always sinful to choose deception over truth.