Honesty and integrity are essential values in the Christian life, yet the temptation to deceive or withhold the truth from parents can be strong, especially in times of fear or disobedience. The Bible warns against lying and urges us to speak truthfully and honor our parents with our words and actions. Let’s explore these verses together and learn the importance of honesty and trustworthiness in our relationships, especially with those who have cared for us and nurtured us from childhood.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Laughing At Others
Bible Verses About Lying To Parents
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 verse emphasizes the seriousness of lying in the eyes of God. Lying is considered detestable and is listed alongside other sinful acts. It warns against the dangers of a lying tongue and the consequences it can bring.
As Christians, we are called to truthfulness and integrity. This verse serves as a reminder to guard our words and actions, avoiding deceit and falsehood.
Proverbs 12:22
The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.
God values truthfulness and honesty. Lying lips are described as detestable, while those who are trustworthy bring delight to the Lord. This verse encourages us to prioritize sincerity and integrity in all our dealings.
When we choose to be truthful, we align ourselves with God’s character and demonstrate our trustworthiness to Him and others.
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 lying. It highlights the fact that those who bear false witness or continually lie will ultimately face punishment and not escape the ramifications of their deceit.
As followers of Christ, we should be cautious not to engage in falsehood or dishonesty, recognizing that there will be accountability for our actions.
Proverbs 26:28
A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.
This verse reveals the destructive nature of lying. A lying tongue is shown to despise those it harms, while flattery leads to ruin and harm.
As Christians, we are called to speak the truth in love, avoiding both deceitful words and manipulative flattery. This verse reminds us of the importance of cultivating sincerity and genuine care for others.
Colossians 3:9
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.
In this verse, Christians are specifically instructed not to lie to one another. This command is presented in the context of having put off our old sinful nature and embracing a new life in Christ.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to live with integrity and truthfulness, letting go of our old ways of deceit and falsehood.
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 reinforces the importance of truthfulness in our interactions with others. It highlights the unity and interconnectedness that exists among believers, emphasizing the need for honesty and transparency in our relationships.
As Christians, we are to be known for our commitment to truth, actively putting off falsehood and speaking truthfully to one another.
Proverbs 19:9
A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.
Similar to Proverbs 19:5, this verse underscores the principle that lying and bearing false witness will not go unnoticed by God. It emphasizes that ultimately, those who persist in spreading lies will face punishment and destruction.
As believers, we should be motivated by the fear of the Lord to speak truth and avoid being implicated in falsehood.
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 abode is described as a place where deceit and falsehood have no place. This verse affirms that those who practice deceit and speak falsely will not be allowed to stand in the presence of God.
As followers of Christ, we should aim to model His truthfulness and reject any form of deception or dishonesty in our lives.
Leviticus 19:11
Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another.
This verse encapsulates a threefold command, which includes not only lying but also stealing and deceiving. It emphasizes the importance of truth and integrity in our interactions with others.
As Christians, we are called to uphold moral principles and treat others honestly and fairly.
Proverbs 13:5
The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked make themselves a stench and bring shame on themselves.
This verse contrasts the attitude of the righteous and the wicked toward falsehood. The righteous are portrayed as hating what is false, while the wicked bring shame upon themselves through their deceitful ways.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to pursue righteousness and align ourselves with the truth, rejecting falsehood and deceit.
Psalm 119:29
Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law.
This verse expresses a plea for God’s guidance and protection from deceitful ways. It acknowledges the need for His grace and instruction in order to walk in truth.
As believers, we should continually seek God’s help in avoiding deceit and embracing His truth, recognizing our reliance on His guidance.
Proverbs 14:5
An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.
This verse draws a clear distinction between an honest witness who speaks truthfully and a false witness who spreads falsehood.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be honest and truthful in our testimonies, refraining from spreading lies or participating in deceitful practices.
1 Timothy 1:10
For the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine.
In this verse, lying is mentioned alongside other sinful practices that are contrary to sound doctrine. It highlights the seriousness of deceitfulness and its incompatibility with the teachings of Christ.
As believers, we should strive to align ourselves with sound doctrine and live in accordance with God’s truth, forsaking any form of falsehood.
Psalm 5:6
You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful people the LORD abhors.
This verse portrays God’s disdain for those who engage in lying and deceitful behavior. It asserts that the Lord abhors those who practice falsehood.
As Christians, we should be motivated to live truthfully, knowing that our God detests dishonesty and deceit.
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.
In the final book of the Bible, liars are listed among those who will face eternal judgment and punishment. This verse underscores the severe consequences that await those who persist in lying.
As followers of Christ, we should take this warning seriously, striving to live lives of truthfulness and integrity.
Zechariah 8:16-17
These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the LORD.
This verse highlights the importance of truthfulness, fairness, and justice in our relationships and interactions. It emphasizes the Lord’s hatred for evil plots and false oaths.
As Christians, we are called to practice truth, pursue justice, and refrain from participating in dishonest or deceitful schemes.
Proverbs 21:6
A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.
This verse warns against the danger of gaining wealth or success through deception. It implies that any fortune acquired through lies is both temporary and harmful.
As believers, we should prioritize honesty and integrity, knowing that any gain obtained through deceit will ultimately bring more harm than good.
Proverbs 19:22
What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar.
This verse emphasizes the value of unfailing love and truthfulness over material wealth. It suggests that it is better to be lacking in possessions than to be known as a liar.
As Christians, we should seek to cultivate a reputation for truthfulness and genuine love, recognizing that these qualities hold greater significance than material gain.
Proverbs 14:25
A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.
This verse highlights the life-saving impact of a truthful witness, contrasting it with the deceptive nature of a false witness.
As followers of Christ, we should strive to be truth-bearers, bringing light and salvation through our honest testimonies, while avoiding any form of deceit.
Proverbs 21:28
A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully.
This verse underscores the certainty of destruction for a false witness, while also highlighting the positive result that comes from being a careful listener.
As believers, we should be discerning, attentive, and committed to speaking truthfully, recognizing the weighty consequences that arise from dishonesty.
Proverbs 19:22
It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury—how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!
This verse draws attention to the inappropriateness of fools living in luxury, implying that such a scenario is even worse than a slave ruling over princes.
As Christians, we should aim to prioritize wisdom, integrity, and truthfulness over worldly entitlement or position. It reminds us that true significance lies in aligning ourselves with God’s principles, rather than seeking power or wealth.
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 the religious leaders who oppose Him and reveals their allegiance to the devil, who is described as the father of lies.
As Christians, we are called to follow Jesus, the embodiment of truth. This verse reminds us of the deceptive nature of the enemy and the importance of rejecting falsehood in our lives.
2 Timothy 3:13
while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
This verse speaks of the constant cycle of deceit perpetrated by evildoers and impostors. It emphasizes their propensity to deceive others while themselves being deceived.
As believers, we should be discerning and cautious, guarding ourselves against being deceived and seeking to walk in the truth of God’s Word.
What Does The Bible Say About Lying To Parents?
As believers in God’s Word, we look to the Bible for guidance on how to live a life that reflects God’s will. When it comes to the question of lying to our parents, the Bible provides valuable insights.
First and foremost, we are called to honor and respect our parents. This commandment is found in Exodus 20:12: “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” This commandment is reiterated in the New Testament in Ephesians 6:2-3.
Lying is contrary to the principle of truthfulness, which the Bible values greatly. Proverbs 12:22 states, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” Furthermore, in Colossians 3:9, Paul urges believers, “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.”
As Christians, our goal is to imitate Christ, who is the embodiment of truth (John 14:6). Therefore, our words and actions should reflect His character. In Matthew 5:37, Jesus teaches us to let our “yes” be “yes” and our “no” be “no.” In other words, we are to be people of integrity who speak the truth, including to our parents.
However, we understand that there may be situations where telling the complete truth to our parents could cause harm or unnecessarily strain our relationships. In these cases, we need to exercise wisdom and discernment, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit and seeking advice from mature believers (Proverbs 11:14).
It is important to note that this does not mean we can justify lying. Rather, we should focus on finding alternative ways to speak truth in love and respect. We can choose our words carefully, being mindful of the impact they may have. For example, we can choose to remain silent on certain matters if sharing the truth would cause unnecessary pain or distress.
In situations where we may feel compelled to lie to our parents, it is vital that we pray for wisdom and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us in finding a way to navigate the situation truthfully and honorably. This may involve seeking reconciliation, confessing past lies, or asking for forgiveness.
Ultimately, as Christians, our aim is to align our lives with God’s truth and to walk in integrity. By honoring our parents and living in truth, we reflect God’s character and bring glory to Him.