The Torah administers its admonishment against falsehood in an idiosyncratic manner. Rather than discoursing about the evils of falsehood and its devastating effect on people, the Torah simply states, “Distance yourself from falsehood.” Lies are so reprehensible and destructive that no room for dialogue can co-exist. One must detach himself from falsehood in any form.
We suggest that in light of the text, the Torah‘s admonition may be viewed as pragmatic advice. This approach is especially crucial in view of the fact that well-intended individuals may become involved in endeavors that reek of deception and hypocrisy. Why are people of such caliber involved in such senseless pursuits? Perhaps they are not aware of what they are doing. Their lack of objectivity clouds their vision, veiling the real truth of the situation. They must move away from the dvar sheker, false matter, so that they can perceive the situation from a more objective perspective.
This is the Torah’s message: Distance yourself from a false enterprise, so that the salient truth will be clearly distinguished. All too often when one is in the “thick of things,” his perspective becomes distorted. By distancing himself from any given situation, he maintains his objectivity and, consequently, his integrity.
