Judges 16:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Instead, she became an ancestor of the Lord and part of the lineage of the patriarchs, having the honor of birthing the Savior.

In contrast, Delilah (Judges 16), out of concern for her community, betrayed the truth, leading her to eternal ruin, remembered only for her treachery. Thus, when the revelation of truth poses a significant threat, one may resort to deception (for instance, when a traveler at a crossroads encounters bandits who inquire about the route taken by a pursued person, he may direct them down a different path, thereby sparing the victim from death and preventing the criminals from sin). Had he disclosed the truth, he would have faced death upon being caught.

However, this action must be accompanied by a humble acknowledgment of wrongdoing. We should perceive such moments as tests resulting from our own failings. St. Dorotheus advises that even when one must deviate from the truth, they should not be indifferent but should repent and weep before God, viewing such occasions as trials; this deception should not become commonplace, but rather employed sparingly—only in instances of genuine necessity. In situations where it is not absolutely required, one must exercise great caution to avoid falsehood, recognizing it as a grave danger, much like using a potent medication only when faced with an imminent and deadly ailment.