Lying and Truthfulness

"Is lying ever justified? What about lying to protect someone?"

4 Scripture passages3 objections answered2 Church Father quotes

The Short Answer

Lying is intrinsically evil because it violates the virtue of truthfulness and harms the trust necessary for human community. Jesus called the devil 'the father of lies' (John 8:44). However, we are not obligated to reveal all truth to everyone.

Quick Overview

God is truth, and we're made in His image, so truthfulness matters. When we lie, we distort reality and break trust. But here's an important distinction: lying means deliberately saying what you know is false to deceive. It doesn't mean you must tell everyone everything. Keeping secrets, being tactful, or simply staying silent are all legitimate. The moral issue is actively asserting falsehood. Even when lying seems like it would help, it damages something important: our integrity, others' trust, and the fabric of honest communication.

Biblical Evidence

What the Scriptures say

Exodus 20:16

"Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour."

Why This Matters

The commandment forbids lying, especially lies that harm others' reputation or well-being.

Colossians 3:9

"Lie not one to another: stripping yourselves of the old man with his deeds."

Why This Matters

Paul connects lying with the old sinful self that Christians have put off in baptism.

John 8:44

"You are of your father the devil... he is a liar, and the father thereof."

Why This Matters

Jesus identifies lying as characteristic of the devil—the ultimate source of all falsehood.

Proverbs 12:22

"Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord: but they that deal faithfully please him."

Why This Matters

God delights in truthfulness and is offended by lying.

What the Church Teaches

Official Catholic doctrine

The Catechism teaches that 'by its very nature, lying is to be condemned' (CCC 2485). A lie is 'speaking a falsehood with the intention of deceiving' (CCC 2482). However, the right to truth is not unconditional—we may use prudent silence or discreet language to protect secrets or privacy (CCC 2489).

Common Objections

Questions answered

Early Church Fathers

What the first Christians believed

St. Augustine

c. 395 AD

"Every liar says the opposite of what he thinks in his heart, with purpose to deceive."

— De Mendacio (On Lying)

St. Thomas Aquinas

c. 1270 AD

"A lie is evil in its nature... It is not lawful to tell a lie in order to deliver another from any danger whatever."

— Summa Theologica, II-II, Q.110, A.3

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