When delaying the truth...serves the truth
I think this applies to various situations. Only an annoyingly honest person would ruin a surprise party. It can be good pure fun to trick a gullible friend. And think about Nathan waiting to hear David's response before telling him, 'You are the man!'
When your listeners aren't ready for it
In A Few Good Men Jack Nicholson reminded us that some people can't handle the truth. God seems to agree. For many centuries He spoke in shadows. We tend to call it progressive revelation. See John 16:12
When your listeners aren't worthy of it
I'm not sure Rahab's questioners had worthy intentions. Some people simply aren't worthy of the truth. Jesus seemed to affirm this principle when He said 'Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine.'
When you can't say it in love
I am still liking that Blake quote: "A truth that's told with bad intent beats all the lies you can invent." Ephesians tells us to speak the truth with the motive of love. The twin towers of truth and love should never be separated.
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