A wealthy individual once visited the Chofetz Chaim, stating that they had previously met and expressing confidence that the Chofetz Chaim remembered him. The Chofetz Chaim replied that he received many visitors and could not confirm that he remembered everyone. A student accompanying the Chofetz Chaim suggested to the visitor that the Chofetz Chaim did remember him but chose not to acknowledge it due to humility. The Chofetz Chaim reiterated that he did not recall the individual.
After the visitor departed, the student apologized to the Chofetz Chaim for intervening, explaining that he was concerned about the potential impact on Yeshiva donations if the benefactor believed he was not remembered. The Chofetz Chaim responded by stating that the Torah's prohibition against falsehood is comprehensive and does not make exceptions for situations involving the welfare of a Yeshiva.
