When Honesty Honestly Doesn’t Pay
What if a small lie…
Could help the truth slide by
help someone who’s gone astray
sometimes it’s just the best way.
What if the small lie…
Would help someone feel better
make the world a nicer place
save another person’s face.
Honesty is the key
it’s plain to see
it’s a great policy;
to some degree.
What if the truth hurts…
Just remember to keep it small
it can get you through another day
when honesty honestly doesn’t pay.
© Rebecca Sanchez 2020
Written with Poets And Storytellers United for an open prompt (originally Poets United.)
Capricious Poet 
(Sorry, I seem to have missed this earlier.)
I’m reminded of a rhyme I came across somewhere (author unknown):
A truth that’s told with bad intent
beats all the lies you can invent.
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I like that! I don’t know why but a handful of comments went to spam which is surprising because I’ve written with the people before. Thanks!
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I think you just set your moral compass due north and then do and be the very best you can and sometimes the best is a tiny lie or an omission…
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So true! Thanks!
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We have two rules in our house:
1. White lies are perfectly okay. It is a fine untruth in that it makes things better rather than keeping back. It saves harm or loss from happening. And is not malicicious.
I learned these from my mother. Google the term for more.
2. It is not a sin to tell a lie where no harm is done and it is not malicious. About like the other although those are many times blessings. (My rule or idea)
..
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I like your rules, Jim. Your mother was wise. Thanks so much!
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Certain omissions are necessary every once in a while. But it’s just so difficult to choose between small and not so small, when it comes to hiding the truth.
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I guess it all depends on the size of the truth and the weight of the subject matter. Thanks for visiting and reading. Congratulations on the launching of the not-so-new site!
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So true! The best thing is to not tell a white lie if it’s going to hurt someone. Sorry this is late you went to spam for some reason!
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I’ve been behind for weeks, too, so… no worries–you just made me feel less bad, lol!
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Hee hee!!!
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Hmmmmm…
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No I don’t think it’s lying if you spare details so truth can be heard and not cause harm.
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Thank you, Susie! I don’t know why but a handfull of comments went to spam. You’d think WordPress would know the people I write with by now.
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Problem is that lying even a little begins a big hole. One doesn’t know where it will lead, but as said in the comment above, one doesn’t have to tell everything one believes to be the truth. Except in the way of helping someone. Then I think exculpatory evidence needs to be told.
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I agree with you. There’s a time for white lies and a time for truth. Sorry so late this got put in spam for some reason.
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Wise poem Honesty sometimes doesn’t pay indeed
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Thank you! Replying late I’m sorry for that I’m playing catch up today.
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…and indeed there are times when honesty honestly doesn’t pay! Your poem was a refreshing read!
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I think we all have told a little white lie at times. Thank you!
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Yes, shielding others from the truth is best…sometimes!
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Thanks so much!
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I think honesty can pay in the long run but it should be done from one’s own perspective not as a personal attack.
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Never as a personal attack! Thank you!
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I don’t think it’s lying
not to tell
every truth that exists
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No, sometimes it a kindness. Thank you!
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Reblogged this on NANMYKEL.COM and commented:
On the other hand…
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I think I thanked you already on your blog but thank you again! Trying to play catch up.
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