What Does the Bible Say About Lying?
What Does the Bible Say About Lying? The Bible identifies lying as an abomination to God and a trait of the devil, commanding believers to put away falsehood and speak truth.
Key verse: Proverbs 12:22 (KJV)
The Bible identifies lying as an abomination to God and a trait of the devil, commanding believers to put away falsehood and speak truth.
The Bible identifies lying as an abomination to God and a trait of the devil, commanding believers to put away falsehood and speak truth.
"Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight." — Proverbs 12:22 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
God is described as One who cannot lie (Titus 1:2), and truth is fundamental to His character. Satan, by contrast, is called 'the father of lies' (John 8:44). The Ninth Commandment forbids bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16). Proverbs lists 'a lying tongue' among the seven things the LORD hates (Proverbs 6:16-19). Revelation 21:8 includes liars among those facing the second death. Paul commands believers to 'put away lying' and 'speak every man truth with his neighbour' (Ephesians 4:25). Lying destroys trust, damages relationships, and separates us from God's character. Conversely, speaking truth, even when difficult, builds integrity and honors the God of truth.
Key Scripture References
"Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight."
"Ye are of your father the devil... for he is a liar, and the father of it."
"Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Gossip?
The Bible strongly condemns gossip as destructive, calling it a fire that separates friends and warning that the tongue holds the power of life and death.
What Does the Bible Say About Integrity?
Biblical integrity means living with honesty, consistency, and moral uprightness in both public and private life, guided by God's standards.
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
How Are You Saved According to the Bible?
Salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ — not by works or human effort.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley • 1739
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Proverbs. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Proverbs on day 159 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Lying?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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