Part of a rabbi's job is to talk with people, listen to their difficulties, and advise them according to the Torah's opinion on the particular matter that troubles them. Because there is such a thing as da'at Torah—the opinion of the Torah. Of course, reaching the spiritual level required to know what the Torah would say in every situation requires a lifetime of study, but that's what being a rabbi is all about (and you also need a great deal of God's help to say the right thing at the right time).
In matters directly related to halakha—Jewish law—such as the laws of Shabbat, Kashrut, Tefillah, and other mitzvot, it's understandable that people seek to know what the Torah says, since it defines each of these concepts. However, even in matters that seemingly transcend the Torah, such as interpersonal relationships or the very characteristics of each person, the Torah has a message—a very relevant and accurate one. This is because, as our sages explain, God observed the Torah and created the world, meaning that all aspects of daily life are codified and specified within it.
Lately, I've found myself involved in conversations where the central issue is lying. Therefore, I thought it appropriate to explain what the Torah says about it.
The Torah says (Exodus 23:7), "Stay away from lying." That's clear. But our sages tell a story in the Midrash that very clearly illustrates the consequences of lying. The story is self-explanatory. The only question is how to apply it and know that God gives each person the ability to live according to the standards He requires; that is, no one can say, "Eating kosher is impossible for me." Along with the Divine command, God gives us the strength to fulfill it. Here is the story:
When God told Noah to take a pair of every living creature on Earth onto the Ark, Lie also wanted to enter, but was stopped because it had no mate. In search of a partner, it met Tragedy and asked if it would accompany it on the Ark.
""What are you going to give me in return?" asked Tragedy.
""All my profits," promised Lie. And Tragedy agreed.
After the Flood, when they left the Ark, Lies sought their profits, but all were led by Tragedy.
""Where are my profits?" complained the Lie.
Tragedy replied, "Didn't we make a deal?", to which Lies had nothing to say.
Everything that lies gain, tragedy takes away.