Why is Satan referred to as the father of lies?  Of all the human failings and transgressions – thievery, adultery, pride, rape, murder – why identify the personification of the most unholy, the antithesis of righteousness, as the spiritual source of an almost universal misdemeanor?  Lies can be harmless, after all. They can be helpful, even generous and kindly on some occasions.  We lie to protect someone’s feelings, to maintain polite society, to negotiate contracts.  Almost everyone does it, almost every day.  Lying isn’t even illegal, except in certain contractual contexts. 

Here’s another question.  Why is it so devastating when a friend lies to you?  When a friend tells you a lie, it’s as if you’ve been thrust into senselessness, into a world without foundation.  Husbands and wives lie to each other regularly, parents and children lie to each other … but friends don’t.  So when it happens, it’s not just an occasion for resentment or exasperation or even forgiveness.  It’s an occasion for uncanny despair.

No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends …