Rahab was asked by the spies to lie in Joshua 2.
2007-10-15 16:19:37 · 17 answers · asked by Theresa N 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
My answer: It is okay to lie if it is to save someone's life.
2007-10-15 16:48:11 · update #1
"Our lives for your lives!" the men assured her. "If you don't tell what we are doing, we will treat you kindly and faithfully when the LORD gives us the land." - Joshua 2:14
2007-10-15 16:49:50 · update #2
Even though she wasn't a Jew, Rahab told the spies that she knew that God had given them the land and she believed in Him that He was the true God.
2007-10-15 16:51:25 · update #3
Yep, and there's all manner of trickery in the OT! Rebekah orchestrated the deception of Isaac to make sure that Jacob got the blessing he intended to give to Esau-- and none of them are really condemned for this.
Even Jesus commends dishonesty in certain circumstances-- think about the parable of the dishonest steward. Jesus applauds his dishonesty in reducing the debts that are owed to the master and tells him that it's a good idea for him to make friends for himself by means of dishonest wealth!
Basically, lying is bad, but occasionally if it's done with the intention of arriving at a morally good goal, such as sparing another person's feelings or accomplishing justice for someone who is being oppressed, it can probably be excused. Remember, God knows what is in our hearts!
2007-10-15 16:27:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Never.
I just read that chapter and Rahab wasn't a Jew and the spies didn't ask her to lie for them. So all I can say is that if you tell the truth God will find a way out for you if you trust in Him and pray in Jesus' name.
2007-10-15 16:40:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
NEVER!
Read Daniel 3. The three men were facing death. All they had to do was bend 1 knee. They obeyed GOD and GOD blessed them even though they went throug the fiery trial!
DO NOT listen to anyone who speaks against the Word of GOD!
Rahab was not a part of the Israelite tribe. She may not have known that lying was a sin. She was also a harlot. Would it be wise to say that prostitution was OK?
GOD bless
2007-10-15 16:26:49 · answer #3 · answered by Exodus 20:1-17 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Lying is never good. But it may be the less of two evils. Example a Nazi knocks on your door and asks if you are hiding Jews. Do you lie and save them yes. Not because lying is a good thing but because murder is worse. Lets change the parameter. The German now says ok prove you don't have Jews hiding. Take this gun and shoot this Jewish prisoner we have with us and we'll move along. Would shooting this man be good just because it saved the lives of those hiding on your property. Of course not but it may be the lesser of the two evils. (God forbid we should ever have to make such a decision).
2007-10-15 16:36:55 · answer #4 · answered by Edward J 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
It is never "okay" for believers or even nonbelievers to lie.
But since none of us are perfect, we all do it at some point in our lives. Whether it is to save some ones life, like jaherrer stated, or to keep from hurting some ones feelings, or in some cases just to get out of trouble. They are all lies. But God knows the heart, and that is what counts when asking for forgiveness. "In my belief and opinion".
2007-10-15 16:31:01 · answer #5 · answered by jenx 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I believe there are different types of lies just like people have differetn reasons for telling them...for the most part NO....but even telling half truths or leading someone to believe something that is not true....is a lie....I believe if you are trying to deceive for you own personal gain...then definately no...to protect or save another of course....God is forgiving and merciful and knows our intentions
2007-10-15 16:30:42 · answer #6 · answered by ilovecats 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
1 Kings 22:21-22
And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the Lord, and said, I will persuade him .. I will go forth and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him and prevail also; go forth and do so.
2007-10-15 17:03:26 · answer #7 · answered by CC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If someone breaks into my home and beats me to a pulp, then asks were my wife is, I don't think I would tell them, even though I knew were she hid. I think that's a good time to lie, and I believe God would forgive me for it.
2007-10-15 16:24:25 · answer #8 · answered by jaherrera3499@sbcglobal.net 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think the hardest thing about a lie is trying to get yourself out of one.
2007-10-15 17:06:52 · answer #9 · answered by Da Mick 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rehab was asked to lie to the spies?
Did Joshua fail his drug test?
2007-10-15 16:22:53 · answer #10 · answered by NONAME 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋