23 Bible Verses about Lying

"Have you ever wondered about the biblical perspective on truth and deception? How does God view our words and the integrity behind them?

In the beginning, God spoke words of truth to create the world around us. From the light that dispelled the darkness, to the land and sea, every creature and plant, to the creation of man and woman — all came into existence through God’s spoken word. But it was not long before the first lie was introduced into this perfect creation. In the Garden of Eden, the serpent, the embodiment of deceit, spun the first falsehood, causing a rift in the relationship between humanity and their Creator. The effect was immediate and devastating — separation, pain, and death entered the world.

Throughout the Scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation, the importance of truth and the destructiveness of lies are continually emphasized. The Ten Commandments, given directly by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, include the mandate, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor," highlighting the gravity of deception.

The Wisdom literature — books like Proverbs and Psalms — explore the theme in detail. They talk about the delight of speaking truth, the abhorrence of falsehood, and even the nature of those who choose to lie.

In the New Testament, we see the apostles urging believers to reject deceit in their interactions with each other. They understood the power of words and the need for the truth to underpin the community of faith.

So, as we dive into various Bible verses about lying, remember that each of them is a thread in the grand tapestry of God's narrative — a narrative that values truth, denounces deception, and ultimately points us towards the one who said, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life' (John 14:6)."

Commandments against Lying

Exodus 20:16

"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."

Leviticus 19:11

"You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another."

Ephesians 4:25

"Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another."

Colossians 3:9

"Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices."

Consequences of Lying

Psalm 101:7

"No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes."

Proverbs 12:22

"Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight."

Proverbs 19:9

"A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish."

Proverbs 21:6

"The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death."

Revelation 21:8

"But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."

Revelation 22:15

"Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood."

The Righteous Hate Falsehood

Psalms 119:163

"I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law."

Proverbs 13:5

"The righteous hates falsehood, but the wicked brings shame and disgrace."

Verses Describing Lying Spirits and Deceitful Actions

1 Kings 22:22

"And the LORD said to him, 'By what means?' And he said, 'I will go out, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.' And he said, 'You are to entice him, and you shall succeed; go out and do so.'"

Psalms 52:3

"You love evil more than good, and lying more than speaking what is right."

Psalms 58:3

"The wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray from birth, speaking lies."

Psalms 62:4

"They only plan to thrust him down from his high position. They take pleasure in falsehood. They bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse."

Proverbs 6:16-19

"There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers."

Proverbs 14:25

"A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful."

Proverbs 17:7

"Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a prince."

Isaiah 30:9

"For they are a rebellious people, lying children, children unwilling to hear the instruction of the LORD;"

Isaiah 59:4

"No one enters suit justly; no one goes to law honestly; they rely on empty pleas, they speak lies, they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity."

Jeremiah 7:8

"Behold, you trust in deceptive words to no avail."

Acts 5:3-4

"But Peter said, 'Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?' While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own?”

Conclusion

The Bible presents a compelling narrative about the destructiveness of lying and the beauty of truth. From the early commandments given to the people of Israel to the teachings of Jesus and His apostles, the importance of truthfulness and the condemnation of deception are constant themes.

The Scriptures not only give us direct commandments against lying, but they also provide wisdom about the love of truth and warnings about the consequences of deceit. They depict a clear picture of the gravity of falsehood and its impact on our relationship with God and with each other.

As we reflect on these verses, let us strive to embrace truth in our words and deeds, remembering the Apostle Paul's exhortation in Ephesians 4:25, "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another."

May we grow in truthfulness, reflecting the character of Christ, the embodiment of Truth Himself, in a world in dire need of authenticity and integrity. And may we always remember, as we navigate our journey of faith, that "the truth will set you free" (John 8:32).

A Prayer of Confession

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You today acknowledging our need for Your grace and forgiveness. We recognize, Lord, that we have not always walked in Your ways or spoken words of truth. We confess that we have, at times, deceived others and ourselves with words and actions that do not reflect Your heart or Your truth.

Father, we are deeply sorry for the times we have chosen to lie rather than speak the truth. We repent for the times our words have caused pain or confusion, for the instances when we did not trust in Your wisdom and sought to control situations through our own deceit.

Help us, O Lord, to always choose truth over lies, love over deceit. Grant us the courage to be honest, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable. Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Make us people of integrity, reflecting the honesty and transparency of Jesus Christ.

Forgive us, Lord, for all our transgressions and cleanse us from our sins. Let Your truth permeate every aspect of our lives. May we be set free by the truth of Your word, and may we become instruments of Your truth in a world that desperately needs it.

Thank you, Father, for your enduring patience and your promise of forgiveness for those who turn to you in true repentance. We pray this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Amen.