Is choosing the lesser evil supported by the Bible?

Definition of “the Lesser Evil”

The phrase “choosing the lesser evil” commonly refers to making a decision between two undesirable options when no purely good choice appears available. In ethical dilemmas, some wonder if Scripture endorses picking the option that seems to incur less harm or wrongdoing.

Biblical Foundations for Moral Decision-Making

Scripture consistently teaches that moral choices flow from a heart aligned with God’s righteousness (Psalm 25:9). Believers are called to pursue holiness and avoid sin (1 Peter 1:16: “Be holy, because I am holy”). However, real-life situations can appear complicated, prompting questions about whether it is ever acceptable to opt for a less harmful wrong if the “good” alternative seems unattainable.

Key Scriptural Examples

1. Hebrew Midwives (Exodus 1:15–21)

The Hebrew midwives were ordered by Pharaoh to kill newborn Hebrew boys. Instead, they disobeyed the king’s edict and spared the children’s lives. Exodus 1:17 states, “The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had told them; they let the boys live.” While their deception toward Pharaoh could be seen as wrongdoing, Scripture emphasizes that they “feared God” and saved innocent lives. Their act is commended, suggesting that preserving life aligned with the higher moral order.

2. Rahab and the Spies (Joshua 2:1–7; Hebrews 11:31)

Rahab lied to protect Israelite spies in Jericho. The narrative shows that her actions led to the spies’ safety and eventually her family’s salvation. Hebrews 11:31 explains, “By faith the prostitute Rahab did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had welcomed the spies in peace.” This passage highlights her faith rather than focusing on her deception. While Scripture never outright declares lying to be good, it affirms her belief in God and her willingness to assist His purposes.

3. Roman Christians and Paul’s Warning (Romans 3:8)

The Apostle Paul addresses the argument of doing evil in order to achieve good outcomes. Romans 3:8 says, “Why not say, as some slanderously claim that we say, ‘Let us do evil that good may result’? Their condemnation is deserved!” This verse strongly warns against justifying sinful acts on the basis of producing a good effect. It shows that God does not look kindly on a mindset that seeks to rationalize wrongdoing, even if it appears to lead to a beneficial result.

Principles for Evaluating Difficult Decisions

1. God’s Holiness and Moral Absolutes

Since God is holy (Isaiah 6:3), His moral law reflects His character. Actions that stand contrary to His nature (e.g., lying, murder) cannot be redefined as “good.” However, certain biblical accounts imply that if believers must choose between violating a lesser command and a greater one (for example, to protect innocent life), the priority is to honor God’s higher moral principles such as preserving life, showing mercy, and obeying Him above all else.

2. Motivation of the Heart

Scripture also delves into motives (Proverbs 16:2). A person’s intention and reverence toward God will shape moral decisions. If someone chooses an action out of love and a desire to honor God’s commands (Mark 12:30–31), that motive matters. The midwives and Rahab acted out of righteous fear and faith in God.

3. Seeking God’s Guidance

Instead of rushing to accept any wrongdoing as permissible, believers are encouraged to seek divine wisdom (James 1:5) and carefully discern if there is a righteous or creative alternative that avoids committing sin. Sometimes what appears as a “lesser evil” may be a situation where additional prayer and counsel offer a path that upholds God’s commands fully.

Tension between Mercy and Obedience

While God’s moral standards are constant, Scriptural narratives highlight circumstances in which believers face dire moral crossroads. The overall direction of Scripture is that believers pursue righteousness. On occasional, extraordinary occasions, the examples of the midwives and Rahab demonstrate that God honored their faith in preserving life, even though deception occurred. However, these narratives should not be used as endorsements for casually choosing a “lesser evil.” Instead, they point to the complexity of ethical challenges and the necessity of trusting God’s sovereignty in dire circumstances.

Manuscript Evidence and Ethical Teachings

Biblical ethics are consistent across surviving manuscripts and ancient versions. From the Dead Sea Scrolls confirming the fidelity of large portions of the Old Testament to numerous early New Testament manuscripts, the textual transmission underscores Scripture’s uniform teaching on holiness and moral truth. In evaluating moral dilemmas, these textual witnesses show unified principles upholding God’s righteousness.

Do Not Justify Sinful Means for Good Ends

One must distinguish between truly having no alternative and simply using sinful behavior to circumvent difficulty. Scripture does not provide a license to sin even if the result seems beneficial (Romans 6:1–2). Believers are called to “turn from evil and do good” (1 Peter 3:11), resisting the temptation to manipulate morally questionable tactics for convenience or expediency.

Practical Guidance for Today

• When facing a choice where all outcomes look harmful, diligently pray for wisdom (James 1:5) and seek God-honoring counsel.

• Examine your motives: Is the decision driven by love for God and neighbor (Mark 12:30–31)?

• Remember biblical precedents like the midwives and Rahab underscore faith and reverence for God’s supreme law. These accounts highlight trust in His sovereignty, not a routine principle to do “lesser sins.”

• Uphold righteousness wherever possible, knowing that Scripture teaches believers to avoid wrongdoing, trusting God’s power to intervene.

Conclusion

Scripture never commends sin, nor does it advocate a simplistic formula for “lesser evil.” In unusual biblical scenarios where some wrongdoing seemed intertwined with protecting innocent lives, the heart of faith and allegiance to God’s higher moral order is emphasized as the guiding factor. The consistent call is to love God, love neighbor, uphold truth, and walk righteously. If all choices appear morally compromised, believers are urged to seek divine guidance and trust in the Lord’s wisdom rather than assume sin is the necessary recourse.

In short, the Bible does not promote choosing evil—even a “lesser” version—merely to achieve a greater good. Instead, Scripture points to faith, prayer, and a heart wholly devoted to God as the path for navigating life’s complex moral challenges. If faced with exceptionally dire situations, examples such as the Hebrew midwives and Rahab show that God may graciously acknowledge someone’s faith-driven effort to honor His overarching commands. Yet this should never be mistaken as a broad endorsement of sinful choices but rather a testament to God’s merciful and sovereign involvement in the complexities of human existence.