THE TRUTH ABOUT LIES
We often tell ‘little white lies’ to spare friends’ or loved ones’ feelings or simply to make our own life easier. But those ‘harmless’ lies can be destructive. This is
We often tell ‘little white lies’ to spare friends’ or loved ones’ feelings or simply to make our own life easier. But those ‘harmless’ lies can be destructive. This is according to Lewis B. Smedes, Professor of theology and ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.
In his book: A life of Distinction: What It Takes To Live With Courage, Honesty, and Gratitude, ‘harmless’ lies demean people by implying that they are not capable of being trusted with or handling the truth. They also deny a person the right to make a decision on the basis of trust. Worse, perpetually fibbing can “nub” you and those to whom you lie to dishonesty, lowering the moral tone of your interactions.
Published in July 2016