What Does the Bible Say About Lying?
What Does the Bible Say About Lying? The Bible strongly condemns lying as contrary to God's nature of truth, listing it among the things God hates and warning of its destructive consequences.
Key verse: Proverbs 12:22 (KJV)
The Bible strongly condemns lying as contrary to God's nature of truth, listing it among the things God hates and warning of its destructive consequences.
The Bible strongly condemns lying as contrary to God's nature of truth, listing it among the things God hates and warning of its destructive consequences.
"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
Scripture is unequivocal about lying. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists 'a lying tongue' and 'a false witness that speaketh lies' among the seven things God hates. The ninth commandment forbids bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16). God Himself cannot lie (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18), and Satan is called 'the father of lies' (John 8:44). Lying takes many forms in Scripture: deception, false testimony, flattery, broken promises, and hypocrisy. Ananias and Sapphira died for lying to the Holy Spirit about their offering (Acts 5:1-11). The consequences of lying include broken trust, damaged relationships, a seared conscience, and divine judgment. Revelation 21:8 includes liars among those who face the second death. Positively, believers are called to 'speak every man truth with his neighbour' (Ephesians 4:25) and to let their 'yea be yea; and nay, nay' (James 5:12). Truthfulness is a mark of the Spirit-filled life.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Truth?
What the Bible teaches about truth, living authentically, and the nature of God as truth.
Key Scripture References
"Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight."
"Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another."
"Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
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Sin is any thought, word, or action that falls short of God's perfect standard — essentially, missing the mark of His holiness.
What Are the Ten Commandments?
The Ten Commandments are God's moral law given to Moses on Mount Sinai, establishing fundamental principles for humanity's relationship with God and others.
What does the Bible say about judging others?
Jesus said 'Judge not, that ye be not judged' — warning against hypocritical condemnation — while also teaching believers to exercise discernment and hold each other accountable in love.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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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
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