We are taught from childhood, “Lying is a sin.” But as we walk through life, we realize that not everything is black and white, but a gray area in between, where the line between truth and lies becomes blurred.
Suppose you are standing next to a patient in the hospital. The doctor says that the patient only has a few days left. But when he asks you, “Will I be okay?” you reassure him, “Yes, you will be okay.” Now tell me—is that a lie? Yes, without a doubt. But is it wrong? Maybe not.
From my personal experience, there have been many moments in life where telling the truth would have broken someone’s heart, lost someone, or caused more harm. In those places, I may have handled the situation a little differently, by not telling it or by telling half-truths. But do I consider myself dishonest because of that? Not always. Rather, I believe that sometimes lying can be a way to protect yourself or someone else.
But this does not mean that “all lies are good”. Because the intention behind a lie is what matters most. If you lie for your own benefit, to deceive or harm someone, then it cannot be justified by any logic. But if you lie just to save someone from a mental breakdown, so that they do not lose hope—then perhaps it cannot be completely blamed.
Finally, there is a reason for lying—sometimes it is self-defense, sometimes love, sometimes pressure from circumstances.
But the question is: is that reason enough, or are we just looking for excuses?
I believe that each person has to verify this with their own conscience. No book, no rule can decide alone—when it is right to lie, and when not. Every moment of life, every relationship is different. Accordingly, we have to find a balance between truth and lies.