So states the headline of an article in the Awake magazine dated February 8, 2000. The first paragraph of the article draws attention to the worlds supposed view of lying and how it does not really matter if one lies providing it does no one any harm. Going on the writer quotes today’s scandals involving politicians and other world leaders who have rocked society. Paragraph two states "Many believe that there is no real harm in so-called little white lies" and then asks the question "Is this true? Are there occasions when Christians may be justified in telling a lie?"
Under the sub-heading "The Bible’s Exalted Standard" the Awake states
The Bible soundly condemns all sorts of lying "[God] will destroy those speaking a lie," declares the Psalmist (Psalm 5:6; see Revelation 22:15.) At Proverbs 6:16-19 the Bible lists seven things that Jehovah detests. "A false tongue" and "a false witness that launches forth lies" are prominently included in this list. Why? Because Jehovah hates the harm falsehood causes.
Moving on the article shows there are various reasons for lying but all are condemned by Jehovah. Instead of lying, it is suggested, a Christian may not always disclose all the facts however the article concludes with the following statement
The Bible encourages us to be truthful and honest. Lying is wrong, and we should follow the Bible counsel: "Speak truth each one of you with his neighbour." (Ephesians 4:25) By doing so we will keep a clean conscience, promote peace and love in the congregation, and continue to honour "the God of truth." - Psalm 31:5; Hebrews 13:18
In view of the statements made by the writer we are moved to ask why the Society encourages members to lie under certain conditions. Consider the following quotation from The Watchtower of May 1, 1957 p 285
A witness of Jehovah was going from house to house in Eastern Germany when she met a violent opposer. Knowing at once what to expect she changed her red blouse for a green one in the very next hallway. No sooner had she appeared on the street than a Communist officer asked her if she had seen a woman with a red blouse. No, she replied, and went on her way. Did she tell a lie? No, she did not. She was not a liar. Rather, she was using theocratic war strategy, hiding the truth by action and word for the sake of the ministry. (emphasis ours)
The witness quoted above lied to keep out of trouble and it was a human reaction. The Watchtower Society, which claims to be "God’s organisation", lauds her for acting properly under the guise of their so called theocratic war strategy.
Jesus certainly did not congratulate Peter for his lie in denying that he was a follower of Christ. Neither did Jesus urge his other disciples to emulate Peter in order to protect themselves. In fact Jesus gave Peter such a look that Peter went out and wept bitterly (Luke 22:61-62)
The book Qualified To Be Ministers (1955) says
Jehovah’s Witnesses are an organisation of truth. We should want to speak the truth and be absolutely accurate in every detail at all times (emphasis ours)
Was the woman mentioned above speaking "the truth ... absolutely accurate in every detail"? certainly not.
Not only does the Watchtower Society encourage it’s members to lie but it also has lied on many occasions to it’s members, especially when quoting from other writers. On numerous occasions quotes taken from these writers have been presented incorrectly. They have left portions of the text out to make the writer appear to be agreeing with the Watchtower Society when in fact the writer is saying the very opposite. For details see the article titled "Lies and Deceptions" .
We agree with the Society when they say that lying is wrong and is hateful to Jehovah. We urge members of the Watchtower Society to check any quotes given to them against the original documents to ensure that they are being told the full and complete story. In the Watchtower Society’s own words quoted from their own book Is This Life All There Is on page 46
Knowing these things, what will you do? It is obvious that the true God, who is himself "the God of truth" and who hates lies, will not look with favour on persons who cling to organisations that teach falsehood (Psalm 31:5; Proverbs 6:16-19; Revelation 21:8). And really, would you want to be even associated with a religion that has not been honest with you? (Emphasis ours)
Well, would you?
"A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies
shall not escape"
Proverbs 19:5