The 9th commandment says to not bear false witness. Undergirding this command is to not lie or deceive (Lev. 19:11; Pr. 6:16-19). However, how are we to define lying and deceiving? Is there a difference between the two? Further, if lying is always wrong, then what do we do with Rahab in Joshua 2? The New Testament commends her display of faith (Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25). Are there any circumstances where lying/deceiving would be permissible?
