Honesty is a foundation of strong relationships, and the Bible teaches the importance of truthfulness in marriage. A lying spouse can damage trust, but God encourages forgiveness and honest communication. The Bible’s teachings remind us to be truthful and loving, providing guidance for dealing with betrayal and working toward healing and reconciliation.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Standing Up For What Is Right
What Does The Bible Say About A Lying Spouse
Proverbs 12:22
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
This verse highlights the importance of honesty and trustworthiness in the eyes of God. Lying goes against God’s character and is something that He detests. Instead, He delights in those who are trustworthy and truthful.
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.”
Here, lying is specifically mentioned as one of the things that the Lord hates. This verse emphasizes the seriousness of dishonesty and places it among the detestable actions in God’s eyes. A lying tongue brings harm and goes against the truth and justice that God desires.
Proverbs 19:9
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.”
This verse warns of the consequences of lying. Those who bear false witness or constantly speak lies will not escape punishment. Lying ultimately leads to destruction and perishing. It is a stark reminder to choose truthfulness and integrity over deception.
Colossians 3:9
“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.”
As believers, we are called to live in truth and to put away the old habits of deceit. This verse encourages us to be honest in our interactions with one another. Lying disrupts trust and undermines the unity we are called to have as a community of believers.
Proverbs 26:28
“A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”
This verse reveals the destructive power of lying. Those who use lies to harm others are driven by hate, and their deceitful words ultimately lead to ruin. It serves as a reminder to value honesty and speak truth with love.
Exodus 20:16
“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”
One of the Ten Commandments, this verse directly addresses the act of lying against others. It forbids bearing false witness or speaking lies that would harm our neighbors. Instead, we are called to speak the truth and uphold justice and righteousness.
Psalm 34:13
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of guarding our speech. We are called to refrain from speaking lies and actively choose to use our words for good and righteousness. By doing so, we honor God and reveal His truth in our lives.
Proverbs 14:5
“An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.”
This verse contrasts the characteristics of an honest witness and a false witness. An honest witness speaks the truth and does not deceive, while a false witness spreads lies. It emphasizes the value of integrity and highlights the damaging nature of lies.
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 verse, Jesus confronts those who are perpetuating lies. He exposes the devil’s nature as a liar and the source of lies. It serves as a reminder that lying aligns us with the devil’s desires and goes against the truth that Jesus represents.
Proverbs 17:7
“Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler!”
This verse highlights the inappropriateness of lying, especially for those in positions of authority or leadership. Lying lips in a ruler only compound their godless and foolish nature, leading to destructive consequences. Honesty and integrity are essential qualities for those in leadership.
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 truthfulness and honesty within the body of Christ. As members of one body, we are to communicate with one another truthfully, avoiding falsehood. By doing so, we build trust and foster unity within the community of believers.
Leviticus 19:11
“Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another.”
This verse presents lying as a direct offense against God’s commandments. It stands alongside prohibitions against stealing and deceiving others. Lying breaks the trust in relationships and contradicts the righteous and just standards set by God.
Psalm 101:7
“No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.”
God’s dwelling place is not for those who practice deceit or speak falsehood. This verse emphasizes God’s holiness and the incompatibility of lying with His presence. It serves as a reminder of the importance of living truthfully and honestly before God.
Proverbs 13:5
“The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked make themselves a stench and bring shame on themselves.”
A contrast is drawn between the righteous and the wicked in this verse. The righteous have a deep aversion to falsehood and lies, while the wicked bring shame upon themselves through their deceitful ways. Living in truth is an integral part of righteousness.
Zechariah 8:16
“These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts.”
This verse highlights the importance of truth-speaking in interpersonal relationships and the administration of justice. It calls for honesty and integrity in our interactions with one another and serves as a guide for living a righteous life.
1 John 2:21
“I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth.”
This verse addresses believers who know the truth and emphasizes the incompatibility of lies with the truth. By affirming the truth, we acknowledge that falsehood has no place in our lives. It challenges us to align our words with the truth we have received.
Psalm 119:163
“I hate and detest falsehood but I love your law.”
The psalmist expresses a hatred for falsehood and deceit while expressing a love for God’s law. This verse illustrates the contrast between living in truth and living in deception. It encourages us to embrace God’s truth and reject the ways of falsehood.
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
This verse does not specifically address lying, but it provides guidance on the speech we should use as Christians. Lying falls under the category of unwholesome talk, which we are commanded to avoid. Instead, we are called to use our words to build others up and bring benefit to those who hear.
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 Psalm expresses a plea to the Lord for deliverance from lying lips and deceitful tongues. It recognizes the harm that can come from falsehood and calls on God for protection and justice against those who speak lies. It affirms the need for truth and honesty in our words.
Proverbs 21:6
“A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.”
This verse exposes the fleeting and dangerous nature of wealth acquired through dishonest means. Gains achieved through lying and deceit are compared to a vapor that quickly dissipates and a snare that brings destruction. It serves as a warning against the temporary and harmful consequences of falsehood.
Psalm 12:2-3
“Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts. May the Lord silence all flattering lips and every boastful tongue.”
This Psalm laments the prevalence of lies and deception among people. It highlights the contrast between flattering lips and deceitful hearts. The psalmist calls on the Lord to bring justice and silence those who use false words and boastful tongues, revealing the psalmist’s desire for truth and integrity.
Proverbs 30:8-9
“Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”
This passage serves as a prayer for contentment and honesty. The writer asks to be kept far from falsehood and lies, as they have the potential to lead to covetousness and dishonor towards God. It recognizes the dangers of both wealth and poverty and expresses a desire for the provision of daily needs.
Proverbs 10:18
“Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.”
Concealing hatred through lying and spreading slander is characterized as foolishness in this verse. It identifies the harmful nature of falsehood used as a mask for underlying ill intentions. Instead, we are encouraged to be truthful and to guard against using lies to harm others.
Psalm 119:29
“Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law.”
In this verse, the psalmist asks God to keep them from deceitful ways and to provide guidance through His law. It acknowledges the need for divine intervention to stay on the path of righteousness and away from deception. It echoes the desire to live in truth and be instructed by God’s Word.
Proverbs 19:22
“What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar.”
This verse contrasts the importance of integrity with the desire for unfailing love. While love is valued, it is better to be poor than to be a liar. It emphasizes that honesty and truthfulness should take precedence over personal gain or the fleeting desires of the heart.
Ephesians 4:15
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth in love. It encourages believers to grow in maturity, both individually and as the body of Christ. By embracing honesty and love in our communication, we align ourselves with Christ’s character and contribute to the building up of His Church.