Skip to main content
    In Context

    What Does the Bible Say About Lying — In Biblical Context

    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.

    Quick Answer

    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)

    The Biblical Context

    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.

    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

    Ephesians 4:25
    "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another."
    John 8:44
    "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."

    Explore this question from another angle

    Meaning

    Plain-language explanation

    Related Verses

    Cross-reference KJV verses

    Full Answer

    The complete Bible answer page

    Related Reading

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Q&A

    What Does the Bible Say About Living Together Before Marriage?

    Marriage & Family

    Commentary

    1 Corinthians 10:31 Commentary

    In-depth study • Living for God's Glory

    Q&A

    What Does the Bible Say About Love?

    Daily Living

    Q&A

    How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?

    Daily Living

    Situation

    Practicing Generosity

    Scriptures about giving, generosity, and the blessing of open-handed living.

    Verses About

    Bible Verses About Clean Living

    10 curated KJV verses

    Keep Going

    Continue Exploring Scripture

    You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.

    Today's Verse

    Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.

    Verses by Topic

    Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.

    Bible Miracles

    Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.

    Angels & Spiritual Warfare

    Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.

    Bible Genealogies & Family Trees

    Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.

    Women of the Bible

    Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.