Is not telling the truth morally wrong from a divine command perspective?
IT depends on the divinity involved. Think about that. What about telling a half-truth? Again, it depends on the divinity invoked.
I know religious teachers who lie, cheat, and steal: It is rationalized by them as ok with God because it is for the greater good. I remember a Pastor I had who told me a "white" lie, and I knew it, and said that is a lie. He chastised me for not letting him try to alleviate a touchy situation in the church (an associate pastor who got into a sleazy sexual relationship with a church worker). So the answer you get, as I stated, depends on the divinity involved.
From a divine command perspective, whether not telling the truth is morally wrong would depend on the specific teachings and principles of the particular divinity or religious tradition being considered. Different religions and belief systems may have varying views on this matter.
If we take a general approach, many religious traditions value honesty as a virtue and consider lying to be morally wrong. In such cases, not telling the truth would be viewed as a violation of the divine command to be truthful. For example, in Christianity, one of the Ten Commandments is "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor," which emphasizes the importance of truthfulness.
However, it is important to note that religious figures or leaders behaving contrary to the teachings of their faith does not necessarily reflect the perspective of the entire religion. Just because some religious teachers engage in dishonesty and rationalize it for the greater good does not mean that the entire religious community or tradition supports or endorses such behavior.
Furthermore, the concept of telling a half-truth can be subjective and open to interpretation. It may be viewed differently depending on the specific religious teachings or ethical frameworks being considered. Some religious traditions may emphasize the importance of complete truthfulness and discourage any form of deception, even if it is a partial truth. Others may believe that there are cases where a partial truth may be justified for a greater purpose or to avoid harm.
In summary, whether not telling the truth is considered morally wrong from a divine command perspective depends on the teachings and principles of the specific divinity or religious tradition. It is essential to examine the specific beliefs and doctrines of the religion in question to arrive at a more definitive answer.