What Does the Bible Say About Lying?
The Bible is consistently and strongly against lying. The Ninth Commandment forbids bearing "false testimony against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16), Proverbs says "lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh" (Proverbs 12:22), and Paul instructs believers to "put away falsehood" and speak truth to one another (Ephesians 4:25). Truthfulness reflects God's own character — He "cannot lie" — while deception is associated with the devil, called "the father of lies."
This high value on truth is rooted in love and trust: honesty protects relationships and community, while lying corrodes them. Scripture calls believers not merely to avoid falsehood but to be people of their word, whose "yes" means yes and "no" means no.
Key Bible Verses
“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”
Exodus 20:16 (WEB)
“Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh, but those who do the truth are his delight.”
Proverbs 12:22 (WEB)
“Don't lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings,”
Colossians 3:9 (WEB)
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible (public domain).
Related Faith News
- Christian Pulisic recovers from his World Cup injury by hanging out with Megan Moroney in NashvilleFox News•about 2 hours ago
- Catholic Nuns Sue New York to Block Assisted Suicide MandateCharisma News•about 3 hours ago
- Brazil’s Catholic youth want more doctrine, a reverent liturgy, and less politics, survey findsCatholic News Agency•about 3 hours ago
- Minnesota city sued for demanding Christian preacher pay vendor fee to hold pro-life signFox News•about 3 hours ago
- Tesla Earnings, Elon Musk Loom: What Investors Want To Know (Live Coverage). - Investor's Business DailyGoogle News•about 4 hours ago
- Nigerian pastor highlighted by Trump warns 'I am next' after Islamist militia kills 9 of his relativesHuman Events•about 5 hours ago
- Muslims Kill 9 Members of Prominent Pastor's Family in Targeted AttackThe Western Journal•about 5 hours ago
- Christian in Somaliland Poisoned to Death after Secret ConversionCharisma News•about 6 hours ago
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is lying always a sin in the Bible?
- Scripture consistently condemns lying and deception (Exodus 20:16; Proverbs 12:22; Colossians 3:9), calling believers to truthfulness that reflects God's own character. The Bible treats honesty as essential to love and trust between people.