Intending to deceive

[michael-kaw]

For example if someone asks you a question “have you done whatever” and you had but answer “why would I do that” obviously you are intending to deceive but are not speaking a falsehood so you aren’t sinning right?

 

[Arkansan]

Deception without good cause is sinful.

If someone just out of the blue asks you about something like that, you’re justified in deflecting if it’s something or an embarrassing or shameful nature, since the other person has no right to the information.

 

[OsculeturMeOsculo]

I say a bunch of misleading statements. I really need to stop lying when people ask for my name and age.

 

[michael-kaw]

Thanks but What counts as good cause?

 

[Arkansan]

That is circumstantial. Generally though, if a person has no right to the truth and it’s revelation would cause embarrassment to yourself or another, good cause exists.

 

[BartholomewB]

What’s wrong with answering a question with another question? Jesus did that from time to time.

And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?” (Luke 5:21-23)

 

[porthos11]

For example if someone asks you a question “have you done whatever” and you had but answer “why would I do that” obviously you are intending to deceive but are not speaking a falsehood so you aren’t sinning right?

Goodness, man, don’t overthink things.

There is a difference between deceiving and withholding truth.

 

[BridgetN]

What counts as good cause?

When you have no right divulging someone else’s info, or the inquirer has no right knowing the info.
You cannot use misleading statements with your superiors though.

 

[Ron_Conte]

That is an example of mental reservation. Lying is intrinsically evil, so it is always objectively a sin, but mental reservation is not intrinsically evil. Even so, mental reservation is only moral with a good intention, and if the good consequences outweigh or equal the bad consequences.

Intending to deceive is done for some particular intended end, and that would need to be good. And then any harm caused by the deceitful speech must not outweigh the good that is done.