Do you ever "stretch the truth" or tell "a little white lie"? Sadly, each of us has lied at one time or another in our lives. If we claimed we hadn't, well, then we'd be lying! But even though it is something each of us has been guilty of, lying is a very serious sin.

The Bible, which is God's Word, specifically tells us in several places that we are to tell the truth instead of lying:
 

Did you notice how clear those passages of scripture are? They don't leave any room at all for "stretching the truth" or telling "little white lies," do they? In fact, something is either the truth or it is not-the truth is not a rubber band to be stretched. And there is nothing little or white about a lie. Lies are ugly to God and they ought to be ugly to us, too. Did you know that lies are such a serious sin that the Bible says that all liars will be in the fiery lake of sulfur (hell)? It's the truth–see it for yourself at Revelation 21:8.

If you cannot speak to or answer someone without saying something which isn't true, then you shouldn't say anything at all. Sometimes it may not be easy to tell the truth without hurting feelings, but it can and must be done. For example, if someone who is obviously delighted with their new outfit (which you think looks terrible on them) happens to ask how it looks, you could respond without lying by saying, "Wow! That's something!" or "That sure is an interesting outfit," or something along those lines that is truthful and which won't unnecessarily hurt their feelings. But you shouldn't say that you like it if you don't, and you shouldn't tell them they look good in it if you don't think they do. Why? Because God's Word tells us to tell the truth and not lie, and that's what we should do.

So, before you speak, consider your words, how serious they really are, and tell the truth.