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    In Context

    What Does the Bible Say About Lying — In Biblical Context

    The Bible identifies lying as an abomination to God and a trait of the devil, commanding believers to put away falsehood and speak truth.

    Quick Answer

    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)

    The Biblical Context

    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.

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, Proverbs 12:22, sits inside Proverbs 12. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

    "Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight."
    — Proverbs 12:22 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    John 8:44
    "Ye are of your father the devil... for he is a liar, and the father of it."
    Ephesians 4:25
    "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour."

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