Genesis 12:10-20

Why did God let Abraham prosper by lying?

PROBLEM: We are told in the Bible not to lie (Exodus 20:16), but, when Abraham lied about Sarah, his wealth was increased.

SOLUTION: First, Abraham’s increase in wealth should not be viewed as a divine reward for his lie. Pharaoh’s gifts to him were understandable. Pharaoh may have felt obligated to pay amends for the wicked constraint that his corrupt society put on strangers who visited his land.

Finally, although some people are portrayed as men of God, they are still fallible and responsible for their own sin (e.g., David and Bathsheba, 2 Samuel 12). God blessed them in spite of, not because of, their sins.