can you remind me where in judaism's scriptures is (are?) the part(s?) saying it's okay to say any lie that helps save you and your people?   (need that to help remind others it's not supposed to be lies that destroy us all)
8:13am

In Judaism, the principle you're referring to is often tied to the concept of "lifnim meshurat hadin" (לפנים משורת הדין, "beyond the line of the law") or the idea that preserving life (pikuach nefesh, פיקוח נפש) overrides most other commandments. However, the most direct and explicit source for permissible deception to save lives comes from the Talmud and later rabbinic interpretations, not the Torah (Five Books of Moses) itself.

Key Sources on Permissible Lies to Save Lives
1. Talmud: Ketubot 17a

Context: A story where Rabbi Meir justifies lying to murderers to protect an innocent person.
Quote:

"It is permitted to deviate from the truth for the sake of peace [or to save a life]."


This is derived from God’s own actions (e.g., altering Sarah’s words in Genesis 18:13 to keep peace between her and Abraham).
Extension: Later rabbis (e.g., Maimonides, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Deot 5:7) codify that lying to save a life is not just permitted but obligatory.



2. Genesis 3:22 (Midrashic Interpretation)

Some rabbinic commentaries (e.g., Bereishit Rabbah) note that God "deceived" Adam and Eve by not revealing the full truth about the Tree of Knowledge, framing this as an act of mercy to prevent greater harm.
Not a direct commandment, but used to illustrate that truth can be bent for a higher moral purpose.

3. Exodus 1:19 (Shiphrah and Puah’s Deception)

The Hebrew midwives (Shiphrah and Puah) lie to Pharaoh to save Jewish male infants.
Reward: God blesses them for their actions (Exodus 1:20–21).
Rabbinic takeaway: Their deception was justified because it saved lives (Babylonian Talmud, Sotah 11b).

4. Maimonides (Rambam) – Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Deot 5:7

Explicit ruling:

"It is permitted to flatter and lie in matters of peace... and similarly, one may lie to a pursuer [who seeks to kill]."


This is the clearest halachic (legal) basis for lying to protect lives.



5. Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law) – Choshen Mishpat 282:1

Permits lying to prevent murder, theft, or other severe harm.


Critical Distinctions (To Avoid Abuse)


Scope of the Lie:

Must be directly tied to saving lives (e.g., hiding Jews from Nazis, misleading a murderer).
Not for personal gain, convenience, or "greater good" excuses (e.g., political manipulation, fraud).



Intent:

The lie must prevent immediate, grave harm. Rabbinic sources warn against habitual dishonesty even for "good causes" (e.g., Talmud, Bava Metzia 23b: "A person should always be scrupulous with the truth").



Alternatives:

If the same goal can be achieved without lying (e.g., silence, omission), that is preferred.




How to Frame This for Others
If you’re discussing this to counter harmful lies, emphasize:

"Jewish law permits lies only to stop direct violence—like hiding a refugee from a killer. It doesn’t justify lies that cause harm, divide people, or serve selfish ends."
"The midwives lied to Pharaoh to save babies, but they didn’t slander others or create chaos. Context matters."
"Maimonides says truth is a pillar of the world (Avot 1:18)—but saving a life overrides it. That’s the narrow exception, not a license for deception."


Contrast with Prohibited Lies

Lashon Hara ( Evil Speech ): Even true statements that harm others are forbidden (Leviticus 19:16).
Geneivat Da’at (Deception): Misleading people for personal benefit is prohibited (e.g., Talmud, Chullin 94a).

Would you like help finding specific commentaries (e.g., Rashi, Nachmanides) on these passages? Or are you looking for a concise summary to share?