It's Just a Lie.

1 Samuel 22:16-17
16 But the king said, "You will surely die, Ahimelech, you and your father's whole family."
17 Then the king ordered the guards at his side: "Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too have sided with David. They knew he was fleeing, yet they did not tell me."
But the king's officials were not willing to raise a hand to strike the priests of the LORD.

Why did the King order that the priests be killed? Simply, Ahimelech, who was the chief priest, committed mutiny. He helped the King's enemy, David, even though he didn't realize he was doing it.

During, this time, David was becoming increasingly popular as a result of the slaying of Goliath. The King (I didn't mention before, but his name was Saul) was on a rage of jealousy because of David's prominent status; King Saul knew that he'd be able to dominate the kingdom if he gained too much more power, so he ordered that David be killed. He tried to kill David in the dining room, but David ran off. King Saul left without any of his weapons. When he arrived at Ahimelech's residence, David was asked why he journeyed off alone. David lied and that was it. David, however, told Ahimelech the truth saying that nobody else could know about it. Ahimelech was a loyal supporter of King Saul and wanted to help fulfill his goals. He gave David bread and a sword. David was not concerned about his lie, however Ahimelech and many others lost their lives.

When lies come out of your mouth, you have no idea who it will harm and when it will harm them. There's going to be some consequence down the road at least. Whether, it's feeling guilty, losing a loved one, or destroying your reputation, the truth is the way to go.

But you ask, isn't it easier to lie? Yes, but I ask you then, besides it being easier, what do you gain from lying in the long term? Nothing! Just pray to the Lord for the ability to muster the strength to tell the truth...all the time. Quit thinking, it's just a lie so I can lie just this once. That's one lie too many!