Bible Verses About Lying

"Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight."

"Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds."

"Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour."

"These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood."

"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."

"Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another."

"He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight."

"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone."

"A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish."

"These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates."

What does the Bible say about lying?

The Bible consistently condemns lying as an abomination to God (Proverbs 12:22). It is listed among the things God hates (Proverbs 6:16-19) and is associated with Satan, who is called 'the father of lies' (John 8:44).

Is all lying a sin according to the Bible?

Scripture presents truthfulness as a non-negotiable character trait of God's people. While some point to instances like Rahab's lie (Joshua 2), the overall teaching is clear: 'Lie not one to another' (Colossians 3:9). God desires truth in our innermost being (Psalm 51:6).

What about 'white lies' — are they wrong?

Scripture makes no distinction between 'white lies' and other lies. Proverbs 12:22 says 'lying lips are abomination to the Lord.' While we may rationalize small lies, each one erodes integrity and trust. Ephesians 4:15 calls us to speak 'the truth in love' — honesty delivered with kindness.

What are the consequences of lying in the Bible?

Ananias and Sapphira died for lying to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:1-10). Revelation 21:8 includes liars among those facing judgment. Even apart from divine judgment, lying destroys relationships, erodes trust, and creates bondage to deception.