Every Rule has an Exception
The intelligent man understands that there will be exceptions to almost everything, based on what the situation calls for and what is right in each circumstance. Bohdi Sanders
There are many preachers and legalistic people who will state that it is indeed always wrong to lie. They will tell you that lying is always an act of cowardice. But they are wrong. The true warrior lives his life by his code of honor, and like I discussed in the chapter on honor, honor is based on the warrior’s obligations. It is not based on any black and white, rigid set of rules, like so many people wrongly assume.
There are times when the warrior has a higher duty than to be honest with someone. For example, let’s say that you were living in Nazi Germany and that you were valiantly hiding a young Jewish girl. If a group of Nazi soldiers came to your door and asked you if you were hiding any Jews, do you think that you would have a higher duty to be honest with the soldiers or a higher duty to protect the young girl? Would lying to the soldiers mean that you are being dishonest? Yes, of course you are being dishonest. Would it mean that you are being dishonorable? No!
I have heard preachers argue this point and say, “Yes, that would be dishonorable because lying is dishonest and a sin. You should just tell the truth and trust that God will protect the girl, you and your family.” That argument is ridiculous. Living your life by rigid, inflexible rules is not a sign of honor; it is a sign of a lack of understanding concerning what honor truly is.
The intelligent man understands that there will be exceptions to almost everything, based on what the situation calls for and what is right in each circumstance. He strives to be honest at all times, but at the same time, he understands that doing what is right and honorable comes first and foremost in every situation of his life. Use righteousness as your guide in every decision and you will not go wrong. Righteousness trumps adherence to any one trait, rule, or law.
Always consider your highest duty and take steps to make sure that duty is fulfilled to the best of your ability. This is not being dishonest; it is being righteous. I will end this chapter with a profound thought from the ancient Greek philosopher, Isocrates, “Throughout your life choose truth and your words will be more believable that other people’s oaths.” Bohdi Sanders ~ author of the award-winning book, The Art of Inner Peace, available from Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1937884279. Signed copies are available from: https://www.the-art-of-inner-peace.com/.
