Top 21 Bible Verses About Lies (With Commentary)

Honesty and truthfulness are highly valued in the Bible, and lying is regarded as a sin. It emphasizes the importance of integrity and speaks against deceitful behavior. Let’s explore some Bible verses that shed light on the consequences of lies and the virtues of honesty, inspiring us to live with truthfulness and integrity.

Bible Verses About Lies

Proverbs 12:22

“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”

This verse from Proverbs makes it clear that lying is an abomination to the Lord and that those who are truthful and trustworthy are a delight to Him. God values honesty and integrity in His followers and expects them to be truthful in all their interactions with others.

Colossians 3:9

“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.”

As believers in Christ, we are called to put off our old ways and live according to the new life we have in Him. This includes being truthful in all our dealings with others. This verse emphasizes the importance of honesty in relationships and commands us to avoid lying to one another.

Proverbs 19:9

“A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.”

The consequences of lying are severe according to this Proverb, which states that those who bear false witness and deceive others will ultimately be punished. This verse serves as a warning to those who might be tempted to lie and deceive others, reminding us that our actions have consequences.

James 3:14-15

“But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.”

These verses from James reveal that dishonesty can be born out of envy and self-seeking motives, which are characterized as ungodly and demonic. When we prioritize our own desires over the truth, we risk harming others and distancing ourselves from God.

Ephesians 4:25

“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”

The importance of honesty in Christian community is emphasized in this verse, which calls believers to put away falsehood and speak truthfully to one another. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to build each other up by fostering an environment of trust and transparency.

Proverbs 6:16-19

“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”

Lying is included among the seven detestable things listed in this Proverb, which outlines sins that are particularly offensive to the Lord. The gravity of lying is emphasized by its inclusion in this list alongside more obviously heinous sins like murder and scheming hearts.

Zephaniah 3:13

“They will do no wrong; they will tell no lies. A deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouths. They will eat and lie down and no one will make them afraid.”

This passage from Zephaniah describes the state of those who trust in the Lord and live according to His ways. Those who follow God will be characterized by their honesty and freedom from fear of punishment for wrongdoing.

Proverbs 21:6

“A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.”

This Proverb emphasizes the fleeting nature of gain obtained through deceit. Wealth gained by lying is ultimately worthless, as it is both fleeting and potentially dangerous. Honesty is the only path to true and lasting prosperity.

Revelation 21:8

“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

This verse from Revelation makes it clear that lying is a sin that separates us from God and carries eternal consequences. Those who choose to live a life characterized by deceit and falsehood risk eternal punishment and separation from their Creator.

Proverbs 26:28

“A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”

Lying often involves harming others for our own benefit, as this Proverb points out. Even “white lies” can have terrible consequences, including the destruction of relationships and reputations. It is a hateful and destructive practice that we should all seek to avoid.

John 8:44

“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Jesus identifies Satan as the father of lies in this passage from John. Lying has its roots in the enemy’s efforts to deceive and lead us away from the truth. As followers of Christ, we should actively resist the temptation to deceive others, recognizing that it is a tool of our adversary.

1 Timothy 4:1-2

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.”

These verses from 1 Timothy reveal that lying can be a symptom of a deeper spiritual problem. Those who follow deceptive teachings and are led astray from the truth are characterized as hypocritical liars with seared consciences. We must guard against false teachings that may lead us into deceptive practices.

Psalm 101:7

“No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.”

This psalm makes it clear that lying and deceit will ultimately keep us from dwelling in the Lord’s house and standing in His presence. If we desire to be close to God, we must cultivate lives of honesty and integrity.

Proverbs 13:5

“The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked make themselves a stench and bring shame on themselves.”

This Proverb reveals that the righteous abhor lying and falsehood, whereas the wicked embrace it and bring shame upon themselves. If we desire to live righteous lives, we must follow the example of Christ and make honesty a top priority.

Ephesians 4:29

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

This verse from Ephesians emphasizes the importance of using our words to build others up rather than tear them down. Lying and deceitful speech are decidedly unhelpful and can do serious harm to the relationships we have with others. As followers of Christ, we must strive to speak truthfully and with kindness at all times.

Proverbs 10:18

“Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.”

Lying often goes hand in hand with other sins, including slander and hatred. Those who conceal their true intentions with deception are ultimately foolish and risk damaging their relationships and reputations through their deceitful actions.

Psalm 119:163

“I hate and detest falsehood but I love your law.”

This psalmist expresses their hatred for falsehood and their love for God’s law. The two are intrinsically linked, as a life of honesty and integrity is a natural outpouring of a heart that loves God and desires to follow His ways.

Matthew 15:18-19

“But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.”

Jesus makes it clear in this passage that lying is not just a matter of our words, but is a reflection of the heart. Our words and actions are a mirror of what is going on inside us, and we must be intentional about cultivating hearts that value the truth.

What does the Bible say about lies?

In the Bible, lying is consistently presented as a sinful and morally wrong act. The concept of truth and honesty is emphasized throughout its teachings. Several passages condemn lying and deceit, often linking it to the character of God, who is portrayed as the embodiment of truth and righteousness.

One of the Ten Commandments explicitly states, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16), which speaks directly against lying about or deceiving others. Additionally, Proverbs 12:22 states, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”

In the New Testament, lying is likewise condemned. Colossians 3:9-10 advises believers, “Do not lie to each other since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Honesty is considered an essential aspect of the transformed life in Christ.

Furthermore, the Bible teaches that Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44), indicating the evil nature of deception and falsehood. Jesus himself upheld the value of truthfulness, often saying “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

In summary, lying is viewed as a serious offense in the Bible, and truthfulness and integrity are highly valued traits. Christians are encouraged to be honest in their dealings with others and to imitate the truthfulness of God in their lives.