Are you sure you’re not really asking if lying is good or bad? To me that’s an important distinction that should be addressed.

My kids used to believe in Santa and the Tooth Fairy. I perpetuated those lies because it was fun for everyone, and the boys enjoyed it. Now they’re older and know better, and they understand both sides. They were not hurt or upset.

But if I know my friend’s wife is cheating on him, and I don’t say anything to him, then obviously that’s bad and my friend would be devastated even more to find out I withheld such important information.

We often conflate “not telling lies” with “all lies are bad”, and that’s not always true.