Can I go ahead and say I'll pay my friend for something but then not do it?
Why would you say that to your friend?
I just wanted to be nice to him by helping him out.
You shouldn't lie to a friend. They might get really upset with you.
You need to understand that I'm doing it for my friend's own good. He would know that I'm joking and just wasting his time.
You may be joking and think that he knows, but he might not. It is wrong to lie to people especially those you consider a friend. You should just be honest and forthright to avoid miscommunication.