A Half Truth With Intention to Decieve

Genesis 20, Abraham and Abimelech

In this passage Abraham settles in the land of Gerar, but fearing that the king would take his life on account of Sarah (who apparently in her old age was still a Hebrew bombshell), Abraham lied and said she was his sister. Therefore, the king, acting in good faith, took Sarah, but was confronted by God in a dream, before he actually slept with her.

This chapter seems to confront lying and half-truths head on. Abraham, likely doubting God's promises, felt he had to lie to protect himself (and his offspring). Although, Abraham did not "technically" lie, as Sarah was actually his half-sister, his intention was to decieve, as shown in verses 10-12:

10 And Abimelech asked Abraham, "What was your reason for doing this?" 11 Abraham replied, "I said to myself, 'There is surely no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.' 12 Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father though not of my mother; and she became my wife.

I know many times in selling, and publicity, we tell half-truths or omit certain information, to [mis]lead someone into believing a certain thing. Although technically we are not lying, if we are intentionally causing someone to think something that is untrue, we are guilty of sin, as was Abraham. And this chapter deals with not only the obvious sin of deception, but the eventual effects or consequences.

God doesn't fall for our political talk and double-speak. He judges the heart, so if you and I are telling half-truths or omitting certain pertinent facts to cause someone to believe something untrue, we are just as guilty as if we told a lie outright.

--Saucy Sister