Society Debate: Which is better: To tell the whole truth or a white lie?

A white lie redeems a lot. April 1st is here, wannabe saints curse the day while some of us embrace it, especially that a simple white lie is not such a big deal. ‘Lying is bad and a sin,’ is a common mantra to my ears and it dates back to my infant days. But in reality, can lying ever be avoided? How often do you get glossed over a situation where only a little white lie can bail you out? Once, twice, a dozen times? Think over it carefully and systematically, you will lose count of the number of times you’ve lied, be it intentionally or unintentionally. Reasons for lying may vary but the means resorted to are the same. Don’t lynch me if I call lying natural, yes it’s the natural and harmless way to run out of trouble. I bet many reading this article would either disassociate with me or rather not meet me at all. BUT, you are as well making a fool of yourself by saying you don’t lie. Alright, lying itself isn’t bad, maybe the motive behind it. Let’s differentiate a blatant lie from a tactful reply or a diplomatic answer. And if a lie can save someone sorrow by not showing them the darker side of life, and then why not opt for it? If you asked me for the definition of a lie, I would happily say, “It’s a noble act of protecting someone and keeping them in a contented state.” Infact an effective tool of instilling confidence and creating sunshine in someone’s life, atleast for the moment. What would you gain after telling a sweetheart that they have horrible vocal chords or that their smile is pathetic? A little white lie is the diplomatic way to escape situations you can’t change. “A tactful attempt to save a person from a few moments of hurt might lead to them being saddled to a lifetime of joy,” wrote Smith V, in her book, The world of Teens. Let’s say we have a scenario of a dude who used to hang out with other girls in the absence of his girlfriend. This is a couple so much in love, apart from that temporary guy’s act. Would you rather tell the girlfriend/boyfriend the truth and ruin it all or a smarter answer would do? Truthfully, lying saves a whole lot of heartbreak. And of course, something unknown will never hurt at all. Endeavoring to keep someone happy means keeping a few unpleasant things to yourself. White lies are the only way to prevent people from facing bitter truths. Anyway, before you taint lies bad, look at all the fights they saved you. Sure, white lies have kept our jobs, families, friends, image, name it. Any way, what if it’s a matter of life or death, will you still hesitate to lie? The Holy Bible states in Joshua 2:4-5 that Rahab told two lies to save Israelite spies who in return saved her and her family. More to that, God rewarded Rahab with great honour for her faith or lies, whatever you call it. Still doubting the use of a white lie? Just get your brains out of the gutter, lie a little bit and save the day of sorrow. lillianean@yahoo.com