What Does The Bible Say About Liars And Manipulators?

Deception and manipulation are rampant in our world today. From ‘fake news’ to personal relationships built on lies, it can often feel like the truth is hard to come by. As people of faith, what guidance does the Bible offer on navigating a culture where lies and manipulation seem to prevail?

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The Bible strongly condemns lies, deceit, and manipulation. God desires that we be people of truth who speak honestly and walk in integrity.

Though lies may seem expedient in the moment, the Bible warns they ultimately bring destruction.

In this comprehensive article, we will examine numerous passages across both the Old and New Testaments to understand the Bible’s clear teaching about liars, deceivers, and manipulators. We’ll look at biblical examples of deception, its effects, and God’s response.

We’ll also find practical principles for cultivating truthfulness in our own lives and navigating relationships impacted by deception and manipulation.

Old Testament Warnings Against Deception

The Ninth Commandment Forbids False Witness

One of the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses was “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16). This commandment forbids lying or spreading falsehoods about others. It calls God’s people to be truthful and honest in speech and action.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “To bear false witness” does injury to one’s neighbors and violates the virtues of justice and charity.

The Bible warns that God detests and sees as an abomination “a lying tongue” and “a false witness who breathes out lies” (Proverbs 6:17,19). Jesus called the devil “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44) and affirmed that He is “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

As followers of Christ, Christians are exhorted to “put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25).

Lies Bring God’s Judgment and Wrath

The Old Testament records instances when lies, deceit, and falsehood brought severe judgment from God. When Ananias and Sapphira lied about money, the Holy Spirit struck them dead (Acts 5:1-11). Gehazi told lies in order to obtain money and gifts, and as a result inherited Naaman’s leprosy as judgment (2 Kings 5).

The prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel both condemned false prophets who prophesied lies and deceived God’s people, warning that God’s judgment awaited them (Jeremiah 23, Ezekiel 13).

The book of Revelation warns that “all liars” and unbelievers will have their place in the lake of fire, which is the second death (Revelation 21:8). No one who practices falsehood will inherit God’s kingdom (Revelation 22:15).

The severity of these judgments shows how seriously God regards lies, deceit, and manipulation of the truth.

Examples of Deception and Its Consequences

In the Old Testament, Jacob deceitfully impersonated his brother Esau in order to steal his blessing from their father Isaac, an act which bred resentment and conflict for generations (Genesis 27). While God showed mercy to Jacob and used him mightily, his deception cost him greatly in his relationships and personal integrity before others.

After David’s adultery with Bathsheba, his attempts to cover up the affair through manipulating Uriah led to Uriah’s death as well as the Lord’s judgment on David’s family line (2 Samuel 11-12). The attempt to hide sin often compounds the problems and leads to further sins and dysfunction.

According to a 2022 Barna study, 93% of Christians believe lying leads to more destructive behavior over time. Deception is often the “gateway drug” to further unethical conduct. That is why Scripture urges us to be people of truth in our inner character as well as our speech.

New Testament Denunciations of Hypocrisy and Deception

Jesus Condemns Hypocrisy and Empty Religion

In the Gospels, Jesus strongly criticizes religious leaders who put on an outward show of piety but inwardly harbor greed and self-indulgence. He calls them “hypocrites” and compares them to “whitewashed tombs” that look clean on the outside but inside are full of dead men’s bones (Matthew 23:27).

Jesus reserves his harshest denunciations for those who pretend to be righteous in order to gain prestige and manipulate others.

For example, after angrily driving merchants and money changers from the temple, Jesus quotes Isaiah: “This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Mark 7:6). His point is that going through empty religious rituals while ignoring justice and mercy is worthless.

What matters is having a transformed heart that overflows into righteous living, not just making a show of religion.

Appeals to Live Honestly as Children of Light

The apostles frequently appeal to Jesus’ followers to live honestly and reject deception. For instance, Paul urges the Ephesians, “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another” (Ephesians 4:25).

Since Christians are united in Christ’s body, deceiving others effectively deceives oneself.

Similarly, Paul writes: “Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true)” (Ephesians 5:8-9). Children of light should bear the fruit of honesty and integrity. Deceit belongs to darkness and should have no place in the Christian life.

Warnings Against False Teachers

The New Testament writers frequently warn against false teachers who introduce destructive heresies and manipulate believers. Peter writes of them: “In their greed they will exploit you with false words” (2 Peter 2:3).

Titus also urges church leaders to “rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth” (Titus 1:13-14).

The message is clear: Honesty and integrity matter greatly to God, while hypocrisy and deception should have no place among Jesus’ followers. As children of light, Christians should lead lives marked by truth and compassion.

Cultivating Truthfulness and Integrity

The Importance of Truthful Lips and a Faithful Spirit

The Bible emphasizes the value of honesty, urging followers of God to be people of integrity who speak the truth (Proverbs 12:22). According to research by the Barna Group, 92% of Americans believe lying is morally wrong, yet over half admit to lying when convenient.

With truthfulness in short supply today, it’s vital for Christians to cultivate integrity.

Scripture says “lying lips are an abomination to the LORD” (Proverbs 12:22). God calls His people to reflect His character of truthfulness in their words and conduct (Titus 1:2). Though tempted to distort reality to our advantage, we must resist for the sake of our witness (1 Peter 2:12).

Our communication should aim to build others up by speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

Practical Steps for Growing in Honesty

Living honestly requires diligence as we strive to align word and deed. Consider these practical tips:

• Examine motives — ask why you are tempted to mislead and seek truth.
• Admit mistakes — don’t cover lies with more lies.
• Make commitments carefully — don’t overpromise things you can’t/won’t do.
• Give gracious feedback — speak positively without flattering.

Additionally, Scripture urges making wise friendship choices (Proverbs 13:20) and thinking noble thoughts (Philippians 4:8), which influence speech and conduct. Accountability partners can also encourage living truthfully.

Navigating Relationships Impacted by Lies

Sadly, lies strain relationships and trust. Though painful, believers called to peacemaking (Matthew 5:9) can apply these principles:

With wisdom and grace, relationships marred by lies can heal. We all fall short at times, so humility and patience are key (Galatians 6:1).

Conclusion

In a world where lies and deception abound, God calls His people to be radically different – those who cling to truth, keep their word, and reject manipulation. Though this goes against our natural human tendencies, the Bible makes clear that living honestly and transparently honors the God of truth and enables us to blessings like peace, wisdom, and strong relationships.

As we seek to apply the Bible’s teachings on deception in our daily lives, we can turn to God, asking Him to guard our lips from lies and fill our hearts with His Spirit of truth. His grace can empower us to live and speak honestly even when it’s costly.

By clinging to truth in a deceptive age, we point to the One who perfectly embodies faithfulness and sincerity.