In contrast to those who reject any kind of deception under any circumstances, the Bible recognizes that certain situations justify and even require deceptive measures. This is true in wartime or when the dishonest, evil hearts who are set on accomplishing the intent of their evil hearts are deceived. We see cases like this among prominent Old Testament characters and God himself. The Bible avoids ascribing outright, undisguised falsehood to them, but they are misleading their subjects, and in most cases, the target of the deception is a wicked king (Abraham, Moses, Elisha, and Jeremiah). In most cases, the reason was to save life (their own) or secure the well-being and protection of another. In many cases, it was accomplished through ambiguity. None of the texts considered implies any condemnation attached to the falsehood; in fact, in two cases, it is God who instructs the prophet to stray from the truth. The common point in all instances is that the prophet has not actually lied, i.e., uttered an outright falsehood, although he has misled someone in a deliberate cunning manner. By contrast, the old prophet of Bethel (1 Kgs. 13:18) knowingly acts against the will of God, and the text does not portray the lie in any positive light. Rather than cleverly distorting the truth, the prophet of Bethel spoke an outright lie.
The intent of the heart is very much involved in defining a lie. Instead of speaking prophetic oracles or purposing to deceive the dishonest heart set on doing evil, today’s lies are told for many different but carnal reasons. Sometimes, it is to protect, save life, or some other noble cause. It appears to me that lying is a part of human nature, as the very first book in the Bible demonstrates. However, Paul tells saints to speak truth to one another because fellow Christians are members of one another (Ephesians 4:24-25). For all the reasons given for deception, none of them should exist among brethren. In Christ, the relationship shared with others should be one of trust, love, and respect. There is no fear of someone putting the worst construction on your actions. They will think the very best and would not be too quick to jump to evil conclusions. Even when the evidence points to the possibility, too many unknown factors will prevent any child of God from accusing another fellow Christian of lies. We mistake dates, times, and names, places. The human element is always a present factor in deciphering whether lies were told. I have said “Paul” in many sermons when I should have said “Peter”. Some of us are a bit more absent-minded regarding details of life, while others can tell you the exact time of day, who accompanied them, and what they were wearing. I may say “Tuesday”, but mean “Wednesday”. When pointed out, I readily acknowledge the mistake, but no lie was intended, especially when no purpose is accomplished. Second, human beings change their minds and have every right to do so. Must we tell everyone we know of that change when previous plans were altered to avoid lying? Have we lied because we tell someone what we plan to do but then change our plans? This approach avoids the heart’s intent, which no one but God can know. What’s worse is when the accuser is not content to cry, “You lied,” but then proceeds to attach some uncaring, selfish motive to it. Not only have they put the worse possible construction on your words, but now they know why you said it.
You have met the enemy in such cases, and Jesus Christ helps us deal with enemies, for He had many. However, Jesus was without sin and had wisdom that no one can equal. Even with all of that, the evil mind could accuse even Him of lying. In John 7, we are given information that the Jewish leaders were trying to kill Jesus. Whether Jesus’ brothers knew this is not known for sure, but there’s a good chance they did know. At the time of a Jewish festival, they tell Jesus to go the Judea and publically display His works instead of being private. We are, again, given the second bit of information that His brothers were not believers. In other words, they are telling Jesus that if he is who He claims to be, let the world see it. What are you afraid of? Why are you doing things secretively? Go to Judea and let the world see you.
Jesus’ response begins with the oft-spoken explanation that His time is not yet. Any time would be alright for them, but it is not a good time for Jesus to go to Jerusalem because he is hated. Now, he reveals His plans. He said, “You go to the festival. I am not going up to this festival because my time has not yet fully come.” The third commentary John offers is that Jesus stayed in Galilee after he had spoken. In other words, He stayed behind in Galilee while others began their journey. The fourth and final comment that follows the statement of His plans to stay in Galilee is verse eleven. It reads, “However, after his brothers had left for the festival, he went also, not publicly, but in secret.” I can just hear it now. “You said that you were not going to this festival. You lied.” Of course, we are not given any response on their part, but that evil heart would show itself in a similar way. Today, if some people applied the same logic when accusing human beings, full of flaws and imperfections, they would condemn Jesus Christ, who is flawless and perfect. Jesus’ emphasis may lie in the difference between the “private” and “public” appearance and why He would not go when His brothers went. He could have changed His mind about going, but it seems more likely that he was telling His brothers that he was not going with them at that time because the public pilgrimage to Jerusalem would provide an occasion for His enemies to trap Him. As unbelievers, He couldn’t trust them to make known His plans to go in secret. Yet, the carnal mind could take the words, “I am not going to this festival” as a lie. As He did, it would be wise to remove yourself from the company of such corrupt minds. He was not only saying that He was not going to go at that time, but that He was not going to go with them. They could have easily created a public spectacle, which Jesus was trying to avoid. When we are in the company of similar people, we are targeted. But, if there’s any consolation for you, remember that even the sinless son of God was constantly under attack. So, the best advice is first, (1) not to keep company with such people and (2) be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.