Is It Wrong to Lie?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Content Agency on Nov 26, 2016

Q: Our son stole a lot of money from his employer and is now in prison for it, but we just can't bring ourselves to admit it to anyone. When people ask about him, we just say he's working in another part of the country and getting along fine. Are we wrong to lie about this? -- Mrs. D.F.

A: The Bible never encourages us to lie; in fact, it commands us to be truthful and honest in all our dealings with others. The Bible says, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor" (Ephesians 4:25).

Why, after all, are you reluctant to tell others about your son's situation? I can think of only two reasons. First, because you want to protect him, so that if he ever returns to your community others won't look down on him or look on him with suspicion. I can understand this -- but are you really doing him any favors? Eventually his record will come out (when he applies for a job, for example), and because of your deceitfulness others may trust him even less.

But I suspect your real reason is pride; you don't want others to look down on you or think you have failed as parents. What will happen, however, when others discover you've lied to them (as they probably will)? Many families have problems today, and you may be surprised how sympathetic others will be.

Pride is a sin; don't be blind to its consequences. Instead, face honestly your son's situation, and ask God to help you to be a help to him. He needs your encouragement, and he also needs the prayers of your friends. Most of all, he needs Christ. He alone can forgive your son and give him hope for the future.

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(Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.)