Lying and manipulation can cause deep wounds and broken relationships, and it’s something the Bible speaks about quite clearly. The Bible condemns dishonesty and manipulative behavior, urging believers to live lives of truth and integrity. Exploring what scripture says about liars and manipulators can help us avoid these pitfalls and build stronger, more honest relationships.
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What Does The Bible Say About liars and manipulators
Proverbs 12:22
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
This verse emphasizes the value of honesty and integrity in the sight of God. He despises those who deceive and manipulate others with their words, but He takes pleasure in those who are sincere and reliable.
It serves as a reminder that lying and manipulation are contrary to God’s nature and should be avoided by those who seek to please Him.
Proverbs 14:5
“An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.”
In this verse, the importance of truthfulness is highlighted. A person who speaks honestly and does not deceive others is trustworthy and credible.
On the other hand, a false witness spreads lies and seeks to manipulate the truth for personal gain, which goes against God’s desire for His people to uphold truth and righteousness.
Proverbs 19:5
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.”
This verse reveals the consequences that await those who engage in deceit and manipulation. They will face divine justice and be held accountable for their actions.
God’s righteous judgment ensures that lies and manipulation will not ultimately prevail or go unnoticed, even if it may seem so in the moment.
Proverbs 26:24-25
“Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit. Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts.”
This passage warns about the deceptive nature of some individuals who disguise their true intentions with smooth and charming words. Despite their pleasant speech, their hearts are filled with deceit.
Therefore, it cautions against blindly trusting those who exhibit manipulative characteristics, as their true intentions may harm and deceive.
Matthew 7:15
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”
This verse alerts believers to beware of false prophets and teachers who may appear harmless or righteous but are actually driven by impure motives.
It serves as a reminder to exercise discernment and to be cautious about who we allow to influence our beliefs and actions.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
“For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.”
These verses caution against false apostles and deceitful workers who present themselves as followers of Christ but are actually influenced by Satan, the ultimate deceiver.
It reminds believers to be vigilant and discerning, as their true intentions will ultimately be revealed, and they will face the consequences of their deceptive actions.
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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of honesty and truthfulness in our interactions with others. Believers are encouraged to speak truthfully and to distance themselves from falsehood.
It reminds us that as members of the body of Christ, we are called to uphold the values of integrity and sincerity in our relationships.
Colossians 3:9
“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices”
These words of Paul encourage believers to refrain from lying to one another, reminding them that they have been transformed by Christ and should no longer engage in deceitful behavior.
It serves as a call to live truthfully, bearing in mind that our actions should align with our new identity in Christ.
Psalm 101:7
“No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.”
These words from the psalmist express a commitment to righteousness and reveal God’s disapproval of those who practice deceit and falsehood.
It reminds us of the importance of maintaining a lifestyle of truthfulness and honesty, as it aligns with God’s character and desires.
Psalm 120:2-3
“Save me, Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues. What will he do to you, and what more besides, you deceitful tongue?”
This psalmist cries out to the Lord for protection from those who speak lies and use deceitful tongues.
It acknowledges the harm that can come from manipulative words and expresses a desire for deliverance from their influence.
Proverbs 10:18
“Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.”
This proverb denounces the foolishness of concealing hatred through lies and spreading slanderous rumors.
It serves as a warning against the destructive nature of deceit and emphasizes the importance of integrity in our speech and actions.
Proverbs 26:28
“A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”
This verse reveals the negative impact of a lying tongue, which brings harm to others and ultimately stems from a heart filled with hatred.
It highlights the destructive consequences of using deceitful and manipulative words, emphasizing the importance of truthful communication in building healthy relationships.
Proverbs 17:4
“Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander.”
This proverb exposes the inclination of wrongdoers to engage in gossip and lies.
It cautions against the dangers of participating in or being attentive to slanderous speech, encouraging believers to distance themselves from such behavior.
Proverbs 2:12-15
“Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.”
These verses highlight the importance of seeking wisdom and discernment to avoid the influence of wicked individuals who employ deceitful and manipulative tactics.
It underscores the need to remain on the straight path of righteousness and to reject the allure of those who delight in wrongdoing.
Psalm 34:13
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
This psalmist’s instruction serves as a reminder to guard our speech carefully and refrain from participating in deceit or spreading lies.
It emphasizes the importance of using our words to build up and edify others rather than engaging in manipulation or falsehood.
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.”
These verses provide a list of seven detestable things in the sight of God, one of which is a lying tongue.
It underscores the seriousness with which God views deceit and manipulation, highlighting the need for believers to embrace truthfulness and integrity.
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.”
In this passage, Jesus confronts the religious leaders who oppose Him, revealing the true nature of their actions and motivations.
He exposes the origin of lies and deceit as stemming from Satan, highlighting the importance of aligning ourselves with the truth of God.
Proverbs 19:9
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.”
This proverb echoes the principle of divine justice that awaits those who engage in deception and falsehood.
It serves as a sobering reminder of the ultimate consequences of lying and manipulation, reinforcing the importance of walking in truth and integrity.
Psalm 5:6
“You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful people the Lord abhors.”
In this psalm, the psalmist acknowledges God’s disdain for those who spread lies and engage in deceit.
It emphasizes God’s commitment to justice and His aversion to those who manipulate and deceive others, serving as a reminder that falsehood will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 11:3
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”
This verse highlights the role of integrity in guiding the choices and actions of the upright.
It reveals the destructive consequences that await those who engage in duplicity and deceit, emphasizing the importance of consistently walking in truth and righteousness.
Psalm 120:4
“A warrior’s sharp arrows, with burning coals of the broom bush.”
This poetic verse pictures the deceitful words of manipulators as burning arrows that cause pain and harm.
It serves as a visual representation of the destructive nature of manipulation and reminds us to guard against being influenced by such tactics.
Psalm 144:8
“Their mouths are full of lies; they swear to deceive.”
This psalmist’s observation highlights the deceptive nature of individuals whose speech is characterized by lies and deception.
It serves as a cautionary reminder to be discerning and cautious in our interactions, avoiding those who engage in manipulative behavior.
Proverbs 21:6
“A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.”
This proverb exposes the temporary nature of wealth acquired through deceitful means.
It reminds us that ill-gotten gain will not bring lasting satisfaction or blessings, urging believers to pursue integrity rather than the allure of dishonesty.
Proverbs 12:19
“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.”
This proverb contrasts the enduring nature of truthfulness and the fleeting nature of lies.
It serves as a reminder of the value of speaking truthfully and honestly, knowing that lies will eventually be exposed and their repercussions will be temporary.
Proverbs 17:20
“One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper; one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.”
This proverb reveals the correlation between a corrupt heart and the trouble that befalls those whose speech is characterized by perversity and deceit.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating a heart of integrity in order to prosper in all areas of life.