Spreading lies harms others and dishonors God, but the Bible shows us a better way. Today, we’ll discover what Scripture says about truth and integrity in our speech.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Keeping Quiet
What Does The Bible Say About Spreading Lies
Luke 8:17
“For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.”
This verse emphasizes the truth that ultimately, everything hidden or concealed will be exposed. It serves as a warning against spreading lies, as they will eventually come to light and be revealed for what they truly are.
Spreading lies not only goes against the principles of honesty and integrity taught in the Bible, but it also undermines trust and damages relationships. It is important for believers to remember that God sees and knows all, and it is our responsibility to speak and share the truth in love.
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 calls believers to reject falsehood and instead speak truthfully to one another. As members of the body of Christ, it is our duty to build each other up and promote unity, which can only be achieved through honesty and transparency.
Spreading lies not only breaks this trust and unity but also harms individuals and communities. We should strive to be people of integrity, always speaking the truth in love and seeking reconciliation and restoration when harm has been done through spreading falsehoods.
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.”
This passage explicitly states that lying is detestable to the Lord. It is listed among other actions that go against God’s character and bring harm to others, further highlighting the seriousness and negative impact of spreading lies.
As believers, we are called to reflect the character of God and strive for righteousness. This means actively avoiding lies and being agents of truth, love, and peace in our communities.
Proverbs 12:22
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
Here, the contrast is made between lying lips that are detested by the Lord and people who are trustworthy, who bring delight to Him. This verse emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in our words and actions.
As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate Him and reflect His character to the world. Spreading lies goes against this calling and hinders our witness as ambassadors of truth and grace.
Colossians 3:9-10
“Do not lie to each other since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
This passage encourages believers to put off the old self, with its patterns of deceit and dishonesty, and instead embrace the new self that is being renewed in the image of God. Lying contradicts the transformation that takes place in Christ.
As Christians, we are called to live in alignment with our new identity in Christ, characterized by truth, righteousness, and genuine love for others. Spreading lies hinders our growth in Christ and distorts our reflection of His image.
Proverbs 19:5
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.”
This verse warns of the consequences of spreading lies. It highlights that those who bear false witness or engage in deceitful practices will ultimately face accountability and punishment.
As believers, we are called to uphold justice and righteousness. This includes rejecting and exposing lies, as they undermine truth and lead to the harm of innocent individuals.
Proverbs 14:5
“An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.”
This verse compares the honesty of a true witness with the deceit of a false witness who spreads lies. It highlights the importance of integrity in our testimony and the damaging effects of falsehood.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be people of truth, whose words and testimonies can be relied upon. Spreading lies not only taints our credibility but also goes against the values of honesty and righteousness that God expects from His children.
Proverbs 6:19
“A false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of a false witness who spreads lies and also stirs up conflict among brothers. It emphasizes the importance of promoting peace and unity instead of division.
As believers, we are called to be peacemakers and agents of reconciliation. Spreading lies not only damages relationships but also undermines the unity of the body of Christ.
Proverbs 21:28
“A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully.”
This verse assures that a false witness will eventually face destruction, while someone who carefully listens and testifies truthfully will find success.
As followers of Christ, we should be diligent in discerning truth and falsehood, and act with integrity in our words and actions. By being careful listeners and truth-bearers, we can bring about genuine justice and righteousness.
Psalm 5:6
“You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful people the Lord abhors.”
This verse strongly condemns those who spread lies, emphasizing that the Lord abhors people who engage in deceit and falsehoods. It demonstrates God’s hatred for dishonesty and His desire for truth and righteousness.
As followers of God, we are called to align our lives with His values and principles. Spreading lies contradicts God’s character and displeases Him.
Proverbs 26:28
“A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of a lying tongue and a flattering mouth, both of which cause harm and ruin relationships.
As believers, we are called to love one another sincerely and build each other up. Spreading lies works against this calling, causing division and breaking trust.
Proverbs 12:19
“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.”
This verse contrasts the enduring nature of truthful lips with the fleeting existence of a lying tongue. It suggests that while lies may thrive temporarily, the truth will ultimately prevail and endure.
As followers of Christ, we are called to stand firm in the truth and speak honestly, knowing that it aligns with God’s eternal purposes.
Proverbs 10:18
“Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.”
This verse reveals the foolishness of someone who conceals hatred with lying lips and engages in spreading slander. It highlights the destructive nature of falsehoods and the harm they cause to individuals and communities.
As believers, we are called to be agents of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Spreading lies contradicts this calling and adds to the brokenness of the world.
Proverbs 19:9
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.”
This verse reiterates the truth that falsehood will not go unpunished. It emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and warns against the consequences of spreading lies.
As followers of Christ, we should strive to be people of truth, knowing that lying not only dishonors God but also leads to personal destruction and loss of credibility.
Proverbs 17:4
“Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander.”
This verse reveals the inclination of wrongdoers to eagerly listen to gossip and pay attention to slander. It highlights the damaging effects of spreading lies and the role of lies in perpetuating injustice and harm.
As believers, we are called to resist participation in gossip and slander, recognizing their destructive nature. Instead, our words should be filled with grace, truth, and gentleness.
Proverbs 13:5
“The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked make themselves a stench and bring shame on themselves.”
This verse emphasizes the contrast between the righteous, who hate what is false, and the wicked, whose deceitful ways bring shame upon themselves.
As followers of Christ, we are called to pursue righteousness and honor God with our actions. Spreading lies is contrary to this calling and reflects poorly on our witness as believers.
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.”
This verse exposes the nature of lies by associating them with the character of the devil, who is described as the father of lies. It demonstrates that lies have no place in the kingdom of God and are rooted in evil.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be children of light, rejecting the falsehoods of the enemy and living in the truth of God’s Word.
Revelation 21:8
“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
This verse reveals the severity of the consequences for those who engage in lying and other sinful practices. It highlights that liars, like other unrepentant sinners, will face eternal punishment.
As believers, we should be motivated by love and a desire to honor God with our lives. This includes aligning our words with the truth and rejecting deceitful practices.
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 affirms that lies are incompatible with the truth. It reminds believers that they have been enlightened by the truth and should steer clear of falsehoods.
As followers of Christ, we are called to abide in the truth and let it guide our words and actions. Spreading lies contradicts this calling and undermines our credibility as children of God.
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 provides practical instructions for believers to speak the truth to one another and exercise honest judgment in their interactions.
As ambassadors of Christ, we are called to live with integrity and demonstrate the character of Christ in all areas of our lives. This includes being truth-bearers and promoting justice and fairness.
Leviticus 19:11
“Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another.”
This verse explicitly forbids lying and deception, alongside stealing. It underscores the importance of truthfulness and integrity in our dealings with one another.
As followers of Christ, we should strive to reflect God’s character in our lives. This involves being people of truth, honesty, and trustworthiness.
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 for deliverance from lying lips and deceitful tongues. It reveals the harm caused by spreading lies and calls upon God to intervene.
As believers, we can take our concerns and struggles with untruthfulness to God, seeking His guidance and transformation in our lives. Through His grace, we can overcome the temptation to engage in falsehood and instead pursue a life of truth and integrity.
Psalm 34:13
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
This verse provides a straightforward directive to refrain from evil and lying with our words. It challenges believers to guard their tongues and strive for truthfulness.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be intentional about the words we speak, ensuring they align with God’s truth and bring life and encouragement to others.