What Does the Bible Say About Lying?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary holds a degree in theology and she has a deep understanding of biblical texts. She works as an elementary school teacher in Alabama.

Lying is clearly spoken against in the Bible. It’s labeled as a sin, with multiple scriptures highlighting its negative impacts and consequences. The Bible consistently tells us that lying is wrong, and truth is valued highly in God’s view. Scriptures are spread across both the Old and New Testament, underscoring the importance of truth and the repercussions of dishonesty. It illustrates the need for honesty and integrity in our interactions with others and in our relationship with God. Jesus exemplified a life of truth and calls His followers to do the same.

Curious about how lying is portrayed in the scriptures? Interested in learning the consequences and what the New Testament, in particular, says about being untruthful? Dive deeper to uncover the biblical perspective on lying and its implications.

What Does the Bible Say About Lying?

The Bible is replete with references that underscore the negative connotations associated with lying. It’s portrayed as a deviation from God’s intended path and is explicitly labeled as a sin. God values truth immensely and urges humanity to embody truthfulness in all interactions. This stems from God’s intrinsic nature, which is inherently truthful and honest.

Lying is not merely about the spoken word. It encompasses deceit, false impressions, and actions that mislead. In the book of Proverbs, it’s mentioned multiple times that God despises lying lips and deceitful tongues. The implications of lying go beyond immediate repercussions. It affects our relationship with others and, more importantly, with God.

The Bible highlights how lies can break the trust and harmony in relationships, causing rifts and divisions. The New Testament builds on this by emphasizing that followers of Jesus should embody truth in all aspects of life. Jesus, being the embodiment of truth, calls His followers to walk in the light and shun deceit. He encouraged a life anchored in truth, illustrating that truth is freeing and foundational to a righteous life.

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The Bible also sheds light on the consequences of lying. It is not something that is allowed or taken lightly by God. The scriptures elucidate that lying leads to a downward spiral, causing one sin to lead to another. This spiral eventually leads to spiritual death if not addressed and repented.

Understanding the holistic view of lying in the Bible entails considering its portrayal, consequences, and the emphasized importance of truth. It requires delving into both Old and New Testament scriptures to comprehend the gravity of falsehood in God’s view and the valued alternative of a life rooted in truth.

Bible Verses About Lying

  1. Proverbs 6:16-19 notes seven things that are detestable to God, and “a lying tongue” is listed among them. This verse reinforces how severely God views lying and the importance placed on truth.
  2. Colossians 3:9-10 urges believers not to lie to each other, emphasizing that lying is contrary to a renewed knowledge in the image of our Creator. This illustrates the alignment of truth with the divine nature of God.
  3. Ephesians 4:25 instructs us to put away falsehood and speak the truth to our neighbors, as we are members of one another. This directive underscores the importance of truth in maintaining harmony in relationships.
  4. Exodus 20:16, one of the Ten Commandments, forbids bearing false witness against your neighbor. This command demonstrates the foundational nature of truth in moral law.
  5. Revelation 21:8 states that all liars will have their part in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. It underscores the serious consequences of persistent untruthfulness.
  6. Psalm 34:13 encourages keeping one’s tongue from evil and lips from speaking deceit. It emphasizes the proactive approach to avoiding falsehood in our speech.
  7. Proverbs 12:22 states that lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight. This highlights the contrast between God’s disdain for lying and His pleasure in truthfulness.
  8. John 8:44 describes the devil as the father of lies. It points to the correlation between lying and evil, presenting truth as the divine alternative.
  9. Acts 5:3-4 tells the story of Ananias and Sapphira, who lied to the Holy Spirit and faced immediate death as a consequence. This narrative illustrates the severe repercussions that can follow deceit.
  10. Zechariah 8:16-17 encourages speaking the truth to one another and making honest and peaceful judgments, emphasizing the societal benefits of truthfulness and honesty.
  11. 1 John 2:21 emphasizes that no lie is of the truth. This succinctly highlights the mutual exclusivity between lying and truth, underscoring the fundamental importance of honesty in aligning with God’s nature.
  12. Leviticus 19:11 prohibits stealing, dealing falsely, and lying to one another, reflecting the early instilment of the value of truthfulness in societal interactions in the Old Testament.
  13. Proverbs 19:9 warns that a false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish. This verse underlines the inevitability of the consequences that accompany lying.
  14. Psalm 101:7 declares that no one who practices deceit shall dwell in God’s house, emphasizing the incompatibility of lying with the presence of God and illustrating the importance of truthfulness in spiritual life.
  15. Ephesians 4:29 highlights the importance of speaking what is good and beneficial, bringing grace to those who hear. This serves as a reminder that our words should be truthful and edifying, reflecting God’s goodness.
  16. Proverbs 14:5 emphasizes that a faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies. The contrast between a faithful and false witness highlights the intrinsic value of truthfulness.
  17. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 lists being lovers of self and having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power, among the traits of people in the last days, implying that deceit and false representation are indicators of a lack of genuine faith.
  18. 1 Peter 3:10 advises that whoever desires to love life and see good days should keep their tongue from evil and their lips from speaking deceit. The connection between a fulfilling life and truthfulness is highlighted here, portraying honesty as a conduit to a blessed life.
  19. Titus 1:2 affirms that God, who never lies, promised eternal life before the ages began. This reaffirms the inherent truthfulness of God’s nature and His promises, serving as a foundation for the believer’s faith.
  20. Matthew 5:37 instructs to let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No,’ emphasizing the simplicity and straightforwardness that should characterize a believer’s communication, reflecting the honesty of Jesus.
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Every one of these verses collectively emphasizes a life of truth as not only a divine directive but also a reflection of God’s own nature. Lying is incompatible with the characteristics of God and, thus, the life of a believer. It disrupts harmony, breeds mistrust, and ultimately separates us from the presence and favor of God. Choosing truthfulness, in contrast, aligns us with God’s will, strengthens our relationships, and fosters a life that is enriching and fulfilling. It is a vital aspect of living a life that is pleasing to God and reflective of the teachings of Jesus.