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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, lists it among things He hates, and contrasts Satan as the father of lies with Christ as the way, the truth, and the life.

    Quick Answer

    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)

    The Biblical Context

    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.

    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
    "He is a liar, and the father of it."
    Ephesians 4:25
    "Putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another."

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