When Pharaoh told the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill boys at birth, they neither refused nor obeyed. When questioned by the ruler, they said they were not fast enough to deal with the newborn. God was pleased. Can you think of other instances in Scripture or history where a lie was justified? (It would mostly apply in life and death). Rahab, who hid the Hebrew spies at Jericho? William Miller, who helped slaves escape to Canada via the Underground Railroad? Gentiles who rescued Jews from the Nazis? Calling a homely baby a handsome lad? To avoid giving offense when a proud mother displayed her newborn, leading Advent Christian theologian Dr. James A. Nichols had a stock response: "She is truly remarkable."
Tell the truth except in rare circumstances, especially to save a life or to prevent a disaster.
