What The Bible Says About Lies
Lying is a common issue that many Christians struggle with at some point in their walk with God. At first glance, it may seem harmless or even necessary in certain situations. However, the Bible makes it clear that God views lies and dishonesty as sinful.
This article will take an in-depth look at various passages throughout Scripture to understand God’s perspective on deception and falsehood.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The Bible consistently condemns lying and portrays it as offensive and hurtful to God. Lying ultimately stems from Satan, not God. As followers of Christ, we are called to speak truthfully to reflect God’s holy nature.
Old Testament Teachings on Lying
The Ten Commandments Forbid False Witness
One of the clearest teachings against lying in the Old Testament is the 9th commandment given to Moses on Mount Sinai: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16). This straightforward command forbids making false statements against others or spreading untruths that could harm someone’s reputation.
Wisdom Literature Warns Against Deception
Several Old Testament wisdom passages, such as those written by King Solomon, warn against using deception and dishonesty. Proverbs 12:22 says, “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.”
And Proverbs 13:5 warns that “the righteous hate falsehood, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.” According to these wise teachings, God detests deception and those who truly follow him will be truthful.
God Detests Lying Lips and Deceitful Hearts
The Old Testament prophets also frequently warned against lies and deception. Speaking on God’s behalf, the prophet Zechariah said, “These are the things you are to do: Speak truthfully to one another; render true and perfect justice in your gates” (Zechariah 8:16).
Jeremiah proclaimed that the Lord “detests lying lips” and “delights in people who are trustworthy” (Jeremiah 9:5). And Isaiah condemned the wickedness of God’s people, saying their “tongues utter lies” and “deceit fills their hearts” (Isaiah 59:3).
According to these prophets, truthful speech brings delight to God, while lies and deception are utterly detestable.
New Testament Instructions Against Lying
Jesus Condemns Hypocrisy and Lies
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ strongly condemned lying and hypocrisy. He criticized the scribes and Pharisees for not practicing what they preached (Matthew 23:3). Jesus said that devil is the father of lies and that those who speak lies show that they belong to the devil (John 8:44).
He taught that those who live by truth come into the light, while those who continue in lies shy away from the truth (John 3:20-21).
Jesus emphasized being truthful in all situations, condemning even “white lies” and hypocrisy. He taught that being truthful means speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Jesus set the example by always being truthful, even when it meant confronting the hypocrisy and lies of religious leaders.
His life demonstrated integrity between his words and actions.
Apostolic Writings Urge Truthful Speech
The apostles who wrote the New Testament epistles strongly exhorted followers of Jesus to always speak truthfully. The apostle Paul wrote that disciples of Christ must “lay aside” falsehood and “speak truth with his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25).
He instructed believers to not lie to one another (Colossians 3:9). The apostle Peter taught that all guile, hypocrisy, envy and slander must be put away (1 Peter 2:1).
James, the brother of Jesus, wrote that blessing and maturity come to those who do not stumble in speech (James 3:2). He compared the tongue to a fire that can corrupt the whole person and set their life ablaze through lies and deception (James 3:6).
Instead, Christians are to demonstrate wisdom through truthful and uplifting speech.
Satan is the Father of Lies
The New Testament identifies Satan as “the father of lies” (John 8:44). In contrast, those who follow Jesus reflect His character as “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). While Satan deceives, Jesus is called “the Truth” (John 14:6). The Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth (John 16:13).
God’s written word is called the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Falsehood proceeds from the devil, but truth comes from the Spirit of God. Lying and hypocrisy displease God, while honesty and sincerity please Him.
The New Testament makes a clear contrast between the kingdom of darkness founded on lies, versus the kingdom of light founded on divine truth.
Why Lying is Displeasing to God
Lies Reflect the Sinful Nature
Lying is displeasing to God because it reflects the sinful nature that we all possess. As Romans 3:23 tells us, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” When we lie, we are giving in to our sinful tendencies rather than relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to help us walk in truth and integrity.
Lying goes directly against God’s commands, such as “You shall not bear false witness” (Exodus 20:16). It shows that we are seeking to exalt ourselves or avoid consequences rather than honoring God with honest words and conduct.
Ultimately, lies reveal a heart that is turned away from God rather than submitted to Him.
Lying can become a habit that is very difficult to break if we repeatedly give in to the temptation. Ephesians 4:22 instructs us to “put off your old self” and live in a way that reflects the new life we have in Christ.
Though God offers forgiveness when we repent, lies often have ongoing consequences that hurt others and our own reputation. That is why Scripture urges us to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and to “put away falsehood and speak truthfully” (Ephesians 4:25).
As we reject the lies of our sinful nature and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading, we can grow in honesty that honors God.
Deception Damages Relationships and Reputations
Lies are displeasing to God because deception damages relationships and reputations in profound ways. Though we might think a “little white lie” protects someone’s feelings, it erodes trust. Proverbs 11:3 warns that “the integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.”
When we shade the truth or spread rumors, we sow seeds of distrust that can poison relationships. Partial truths, exaggerations, dishonest denials, and other forms of deception obstruct genuine understanding between people. They make true intimacy impossible.
Lies also create barriers between us and God, isolating us from His presence. After sinning, Adam and Eve “hid themselves from the presence of the Lord” (Genesis 3:8). Similarly, our deceptions can make us want to avoid God’s all-seeing gaze.
Living a life of honesty allows the light of Christ to shine through us without obstruction. As we speak truthfully, our relationships can flourish in openness and our reputations remain unsullied. We live in freedom rather than skulking in the shadows.
Honesty is Central to a Christlike Character
Lastly, honesty is central to developing a Christlike character. Jesus said of Himself “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). As His followers, we are called to emulate His perfect integrity in our own lives. Speaking the truth in love should flow naturally from our transformed hearts.
As 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” When we are tempted to lie, we can ask for strength from the Holy Spirit and remember that we have been set free from our old sinful nature.
Living honestly gives glory to God and keeps our conscience clear because we have nothing to hide. It demonstrates the faith that is pleasing to God (Hebrews 11:6). While lies might seem convenient in the moment, they always damage something precious in the long run.
As children of light (Ephesians 5:8), we must reflect the truth of Christ in our words and actions. The reward for steadfast honesty is “an unfading crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:4). As we speak the truth and walk in the light, the radiance of Christ will shine through our lives.
What the Bible Says About Repenting from Lies
Confess and Renounce Deceptive Ways
The Bible teaches that we should confess when we have lied or been deceptive (1 John 1:9). This involves admitting our wrongdoing and asking God for forgiveness. We should also renounce further deception and resolve to speak the truth even when it is difficult (Ephesians 4:25).
As Proverbs 28:13 (ESV) states, “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”
Make Restitution When Possible
In addition to confessing lies, making restitution can demonstrate repentance. If our deception harmed others financially or otherwise, the Bible encourages making it right when possible (Luke 19:8). Zacchaeus vowed to repay four times what he had stolen, showing his repentant heart.
While full restitution is not always feasible, the principle of making amends applies. This can involve apologizing and seeking forgiveness from those impacted by our lies.
Walk in the Light by God’s Empowering Grace
Lasting change from deceptive habits requires cooperating with God’s transforming grace. We must immerse ourselves in God’s truth (John 8:31-32) and walk in the light of honesty and integrity (1 John 1:5-7).
We can turn from darkness to light by the power of Christ’s death and resurrection (Acts 26:18). As we fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), the Spirit renews our minds and empowers righteous living (Titus 3:5-7).
We must daily choose truth over lies, confident that God will supply grace and wisdom for each situation (James 1:5-7).
Conclusion
In conclusion, Scripture has strong words of warning against speaking lies, half-truths, or purposefully misleading others. As Christians, we are exhorted to be children of light who reflect God’s truth and love.
Though the temptation to lie may strike in moments of fear or pressure, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to overcome deception and walk honestly before God and others. Truthfulness should mark believers in Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life.
