Puzzles

I enjoy puzzles. Whether putting together a jigsaw puzzle, sorting through a logic problem, or reading a murder mystery, I enjoy the process of working through puzzles.

Some puzzles are easier to finish than others. One year, in a Bible study, we spent considerable time puzzling over the question, “When, if ever, is it right to lie?”

Most of us have been taught from childhood that lying is wrong. Yet several instances in the Bible present someone lying, but without consequences, or the perpetrator may even be honored.

In Exodus 1, Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, feared the Israelites because they became so numerous. He feared they would outnumber the Egyptians. So, he enslaved the Israelites. He ordered the Hebrew midwives when they helped the Hebrew women give birth to let the girl babies live, but kill the boy babies. Because they feared God, the midwives refused to carry out such heinous actions. They let the boys live.

When questioned, they lied about helping the Hebrew women. They claimed the Hebrew women were vigorous and gave birth so quickly they couldn’t get there in time to help. The Bible goes on to say, “So God was good to the midwives . . . and because the midwives feared God, He gave them families of their own.”(Exodus 1:8-22)

Rahab lied to protect the spies she hid at Jericho (Joshua 2). David’s wife lied to protect David’s life when Saul’s men wanted to kill him (1 Samuel 19). In more recent history, Christians in Germany lied in order protect the Jews from the Nazis who wanted to kill them.

The Ten Commandments tell us not to bear false witness. The admonition is usually shortened to “Do not lie.” The Bible clearly teaches honesty and integrity. Jesus refers to Satan as the father of lies. The Bible puts a high priority on truth. Yet, in some cases, lying is not condemned. Puzzling.

There is a difference between lying by bearing false witness against someone, which tarnishes a person’s character, or hiding truth in order to protect someone’s life. The cases presented in the Bible that seem to be okay are instances where someone lied to those trying to carry out a murderous plot. Preserving life is clearly important.

Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love God and to love people. The Bible isn’t always clear about what we should do in a particular situation, but God gives direction about right and wrong. As we puzzle through something, the Bible helps us put down corner and outside pieces to frame a situation. God gives us His Spirit to help us sort out the proper action. When we don’t know how to respond, a good guideline is to look for the most loving thing to do in the moment. How can we honor God and love people?

As in the case of the midwives, fear of God can cause people to act in ways that are ultimately right but may appear to some to be wrong. It takes courage to follow Jesus. Doing the right thing in God’s eyes may be misunderstood by a world that doesn’t know Him.

 

Puzzling over things in the Bible takes thought and we don’t always come up with clear answers. However, as we seek God, spending time in His Word and inquiring of Him, His Spirit always leads us to His heart. Little by little, more pieces fit into place in the puzzles that confound us.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2

 

How has God revealed His heart to you as you have puzzled over a question? Please leave a comment below.

Blessings,
Phyllis

Copyright 2025 Phyllis L. Farringer

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