Accusations of lying can damage relationships and reputations. The Bible offers wisdom on how to approach honesty and truth-telling, shedding light on the consequences of falsehood. In this post, we’ll explore what the Scriptures say about the serious nature of calling someone a liar.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About unfairness in the workplace
What Does The Bible Say About calling someone a liar
Proverbs 14:5
The witness of a truthful person saves lives, but a false witness utters lies.
This verse highlights the importance of speaking the truth and the consequences of telling lies. A truthful person not only saves lives by providing accurate testimony but also upholds justice and righteousness.
Proverbs 19:5
A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not escape.
This verse serves as a stern warning against the act of bearing false witness or spreading lies. It emphasizes that the consequences of dishonesty will eventually catch up with those who engage in deceit, highlighting the importance of honesty and integrity.
Proverbs 19:9
A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.
Reiterating the message from the previous verse, this passage emphasizes the inevitable punishment and destruction that await those who choose to deceive with falsehoods. It serves as a reminder of the importance of truthfulness for the well-being of individuals and society as a whole.
Proverbs 21:28
A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure.
This verse contrasts the fleeting nature of false testimony with the enduring power of truthful words. The message here is that lies will ultimately be exposed and discredited, while the truth, spoken by those who listen attentively, will stand the test of time.
Proverbs 24:28
Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.
This verse admonishes against bearing false witness against one’s neighbor without just cause. It encourages honesty and integrity in speech, cautioning against deceitful words that can harm others and undermine trust within a community.
Psalm 101:7
No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes.
This psalmist expresses a strong stance against deception and lies, stating that those who engage in dishonesty will not find a place in their dwelling. It emphasizes the importance of living a life of truth and integrity in the presence of God.
Proverbs 6:19
A false witness who breathes out lies and one who sows discord among brothers.
This verse identifies a false witness as someone who not only speaks lies but also stirs up conflict and discord among brothers. It highlights the destructive nature of falsehoods and the detrimental impact they can have on relationships and communities.
Colossians 3:9
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices
Paul’s letter to the Colossians encourages believers to live in accordance with their new identity in Christ, free from the deceitful practices of their former selves. It emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in interpersonal relationships within the community of faith.
Ephesians 4:25
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
Similar to Colossians, this verse in Ephesians instructs believers to renounce falsehood and instead speak the truth, emphasizing the unity and interconnectedness of the body of Christ. It calls for honest communication that promotes trust and unity within the community of believers.
Proverbs 12:22
Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
This verse clearly states that lying lips are detestable to the Lord, while those who act with faithfulness and integrity bring delight to Him. It emphasizes the importance of truthfulness as an integral aspect of the believer’s relationship with God.
Psalm 34:13
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.
This psalmist urges the reader to guard their speech, cautioning against engaging in deceit and harmful speech. It highlights the need for self-control and mindfulness in the words we utter, encouraging us to speak truthfully and with integrity.
Proverbs 26:28
A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.
This verse exposes the destructive nature of lying and flattery. It reveals that lies not only harm the victims of deception but also demonstrate a form of hatred. It warns against the consequences of using deceitful words to manipulate and bring ruin upon others.
John 8:44
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
In this passage, Jesus confronts those who oppose Him, exposing their alignment with the devil and his characteristic of lies. It highlights the importance of discerning and rejecting falsehood, as it aligns one with the enemy rather than the truth of God.
Proverbs 17:4
An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.
This verse draws attention to the link between engaging in evil acts and being receptive to deceitful speech. It serves as a reminder of the need to discern and avoid the influence of those who perpetuate falsehoods and wickedness.
1 John 2:21
I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.
John’s letter reassures the recipients of their knowledge of the truth, reiterating that lies are incompatible with the truth. It emphasizes the importance of holding on to and living in accordance with the truth of God’s Word.
Psalm 120:2-3
Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue. What shall be given to you, and what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue?
This psalmist cries out to the Lord for deliverance from lying and deceitful speech. It expresses a deep desire for freedom from falsehood and asks for appropriate consequences for those who engage in deceit.
Proverbs 13:5
The righteous hates falsehood, but the wicked brings shame and disgrace.
This verse underscores the moral disposition of the righteous, who detests falsehood and values truth. It contrasts them with the wicked, whose deceitful actions bring shame and disgrace upon themselves.
Psalm 12:2
Everyone utters lies to his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak.
This psalmist laments the prevalence of lies and deceit among people, pointing out the deceptive nature of flattery and the insincerity of those whose hearts are divided. It serves as a reminder of the fallen nature of humanity and the need for truthfulness.
Proverbs 14:25
A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.
This verse highlights the life-saving aspect of truthful testimony and the contrast with the deceitful nature of those who spread lies. It underscores the importance of truthfulness and the potential harm caused by deceit.
Zechariah 8:16
These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace.
Zechariah’s prophecy emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth to one another and fostering a just and peaceful society. It encourages integrity and honesty as the foundation of healthy and harmonious community life.
Psalm 119:163
I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law.
This psalmist expresses a strong aversion to falsehood and a deep love for God’s law. It reveals the heart’s inclination towards truth and righteousness and serves as a reminder of the value of living in accordance with God’s truth.
Proverbs 12:19
The lips of truth endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
This verse highlights the enduring nature of truth and the temporary nature of lies. It emphasizes the importance of aligning one’s words and actions with truth, which brings lasting impact and significance.
Proverbs 21:6
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.
This verse highlights the futility and dangers of acquiring treasures through lies and deceit. It cautions against the temporary nature of ill-gotten gains and the destructive consequences that follow such deceptive practices.
Psalm 119:29
Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law!
This psalmist seeks guidance and deliverance from falsehood, longing to embrace God’s truth. It reflects a desire to walk in integrity and righteousness, turning away from deceptive ways and embracing God’s teachings.