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
- Trump, Vance to speak at RNC Midterm Convention in DallasCBS News•about 3 hours ago
- Texas Approves New History Standards Teaching Islam’s Military Expansion, Christianity’s Role In AmericaDallas Express•about 6 hours ago
- St Paul's Cathedral to Host DJ Music Raves Inside ChurchBreitbart•about 7 hours ago
- Abdul El-Sayed erupts over repeated Israel questions, suggests his name and faith are behind press scrutinyFox News•about 10 hours ago
- Deprogrammed: Ex-OnlyFans manager finds Jesus and goes on a mission to save young womenFox News•about 11 hours ago
- Here Comes the Bride - In Water Nearly Up to Her WaistThe Western Journal•about 11 hours ago
- European bishops warn against allowing erasure of ‘theological reality’ of baptismal recordsCatholic News Agency•about 12 hours ago
- Socialism on the Rise? Mike Johnson Warns Democrats Are Showing Their True ColorsRedState•about 13 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.