Questions / Living the faith

Is it ever okay to lie?

Church teaching

Answered on video by Ascension Presents

Video: Why You're Telling Little Lies and How to Stop, Ascension Presents, published Jul 5, 2023. Checked 10 October 2026. Loads from YouTube (privacy-enhanced mode) only when you press play. Watch on YouTube

In short: Lying means saying something false to deceive, and it hurts both truth and love. CCC 2482 CCC 2485

The answer, in writing

Church teaching

“A lie consists in speaking a falsehood with the intention of deceiving.” CCC 2482

Lying is condemned by its very nature: it fails in justice and charity toward the neighbor. CCC 2485

Our words

You don’t owe everyone every truth; discretion is fine. But deliberate lies wear away trust, starting with your own.

Watch another on this

Play video: When and How Can War Be Just?, Catholic Answers, from Catholic Answers Live, 4 min. Loads from YouTube when pressed.

Is war ever just?

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Sources on this page

How we know · 2 Catechism paragraphs

1. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 2482, 2485 (official text on vatican.va).

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