What Does the Bible Say About Lying?
What Does the Bible Say About Lying? The Bible identifies lying as an abomination to God, lists it among things He hates, and contrasts Satan as the father of lies with Christ as the way, the truth, and the life.
Key verse: Proverbs 12:22 (KJV)
The Bible identifies lying as an abomination to God, lists it among things He hates, and contrasts Satan as the father of lies with Christ as the way, the truth, and the life.
The Bible identifies lying as an abomination to God, lists it among things He hates, and contrasts Satan as the father of lies with Christ as the way, the truth, and the life.
"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's nature is truth, and lying is fundamentally opposed to His character. 'God is not a man, that he should lie' (Numbers 23:19). Proverbs 6:16-19 lists 'a lying tongue' and 'a false witness that speaketh lies' among the seven things God hates. The ninth commandment prohibits bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16). Jesus called Satan 'a liar, and the father of it' (John 8:44), making lying a reflection of Satan's character rather than God's. Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead for lying to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:1-11). Colossians 3:9 commands, 'Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds.' Revelation 21:8 places liars in the lake of fire. In contrast, Jesus declared Himself 'the way, the truth, and the life' (John 14:6). Believers are to speak 'the truth in love' (Ephesians 4:15). Integrity — letting your 'yea be yea; and your nay, nay' (James 5:12) — reflects the character of God.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?
What the Bible teaches about salvation, being saved, and how to receive eternal life.
Key Scripture References
"Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight."
"He is a liar, and the father of it."
"Putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Truth?
The Bible presents truth as absolute and rooted in God's character — Jesus declared 'I am the truth,' and God's Word is called truth throughout Scripture.
What Does the Bible Say About Integrity?
Integrity means consistency between beliefs and behavior — living honestly before God and others in every area of life.
How Does God Forgive Sin?
God forgives sin through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ — when a person repents and believes, God removes their guilt 'as far as the east is from the west.'
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.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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What Does the Bible Say About Lying?
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What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
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Can God Forgive Any Sin?
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God Promises to Forgive Your Sins
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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
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