Is It Ever Okay to Lie?

Is It Ever Okay to Lie? What Business, the Bible, and My Dad with Dementia Taught Me About Honesty.

“An honest witness tells the truth,
a false witness tells lies.” – Proverbs 12:17

“The Lord detests lying lips,
but He delights in those who tell the truth.” – Proverbs 12:22

Honesty: The Core of Business and Life

If you’re in business, this is clear as day:
Honesty isn’t just the best policy—it’s the only policy.

It’s actually my personal motto:
100% honest, 100% of the time.

You can go read my 300+ Google 5-star reviews.
People don’t talk about my pricing…
They talk about my communication, my integrity, and my honesty—even when it means I might not get their business.

And you know what?
I’m okay with that.

Because I don’t need every client to be my client.
I just want every person to have the best option for them—even if it leads them somewhere else.

Ironically?
Those same people often send me referrals anyway.
Why?
Because trust is magnetic.

But… Here’s Where It Gets Complicated

Let’s shift from business to something deeply personal.

My dad has dementia.
He’s 88.
My mom is 78.
And sometimes, he asks questions… over and over… or in ways that can lead to confusion, fear, or anger.

And I’ll be honest—sometimes it feels easier to “storytell” (a gentle fib) just to keep him calm.

But is that okay?

My mom says, “No. We should always tell him the truth.”

I love and respect her deeply, but this is where we disagree a little.

When does protecting someone’s emotional well-being matter more than literal honesty?

Is it lying… or is it love?

This question has been sitting heavy on my heart.

Honesty Isn’t Always Black and White

In business—yes.
Be honest. Be clear. Be trustworthy.

But in caregiving…
In dementia…
In trauma…
In protecting someone’s dignity…

Is there room for grace?

Because I believe God cares about truth—
…but He also cares about the heart behind it.

To My Readers—Let’s Talk About It

If you’ve walked this road (with aging parents, dementia, mental health, caregiving)…
What has helped you?

Here are a few thoughts my mom and I are working through:

✅ Does the “truth” help them… or hurt them?
✅ Are we correcting to be right… or to be kind?
✅ Is this about honesty… or control?
✅ What protects their peace?
✅ What would LOVE do here?

I don’t have all the answers—and maybe that’s the point.
Maybe honesty and compassion must work together, not against each other.

💛 Let’s Grow in Truth and Grace—Together

If you’ve navigated dementia, caregiving, aging parents, or even tough honesty in business… your voice matters.

And if you’re struggling with how to do the right thing—in life, family, or business—
You don’t have to figure it out alone.

This is exactly the kind of real-life, real-faith conversation this CHAMPION series is all about.

Let’s grow in truth—and grace—together. 💛