LIESSSSSS...

Many of the characters in the play Much Ado about Nothing engage in lying, especially Benedick and Don John. Both of these characters are my primary examples for this question. Both have different types of lying, one good one bad. Benedick ofcourse is the one with acceptable lying and humorous lying. "Nor will you not tell me who you are?/Not now" (II.1.103-104). Benedick is humorously lying, not for maliciousness or destruction, just out of plain fun and jokes. This could be an example of a "white lie" which is not bad in general.

Don John on the other hand, uses his lies for evil and bad things (where he gets the name "the bastard" from). The bastard attempts to ruin the potential love between Claudio and Hero, "He is/enamored on Hero. I pray you, dissuade him from her" (II.1.134-135). As shown, Don John uses his lies for evil and to break people apart. This is when lies are considered bad.

So should all lies be considered a bad/naughty thing to do? No. How would the would be like without sarcasm?!?!?! the answer is it would suck. So lies are definitely ok if you use them for jokes and good humor. However if you use them like the bastard, you will be considered a "bad" person. Or perhaps a bastard.