The Bible talks about people who are insincere or deceitful, encouraging believers to seek authenticity in their relationships. Fake people, or those who pretend to be something they’re not, are warned about in Scripture. Let’s see how the Bible encourages us to be real with others and avoid the traps of dishonesty.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Murmuring And Complaining
What Does The Bible Say About Fake People
Proverbs 26:24-26
“Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred be covered with deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.”
This verse warns against fake people who speak deceitfully and harbor hatred in their hearts. It emphasizes that their true intentions will eventually be exposed, and their wickedness will be made known. It reminds us to be discerning and cautious when dealing with individuals who present themselves falsely.
Fake people may put on a mask of kindness and use flattering words, but their true character will eventually come to light. We should be vigilant and rely on discernment, looking beyond the surface to see the true nature of people’s hearts.
Matthew 7:15
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”
In this verse, Jesus warns his followers to be wary of false prophets who present themselves as righteous and gentle, but secretly have malicious intentions. It serves as a reminder to be cautious and discerning concerning those who claim to speak on behalf of God.
We must be vigilant and test the teachings and actions of those who claim to be spiritual leaders, making sure they align with the truth of God’s Word. By being discerning and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can protect ourselves from the deception of false prophets.
Proverbs 20:6
“Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?”
This verse highlights the rarity of finding genuine faithfulness and loyalty in people. It cautions us not to be easily swayed by individuals who boast about their own loyalty but may lack sincerity in their actions.
We should seek the Lord’s guidance in discerning those who are truly faithful and dependable. It is better to rely on the character of a person demonstrated over time rather than on mere words proclaiming loyalty.
Matthew 23:27-28
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”
In this passage, Jesus rebukes the religious leaders who put on a facade of righteousness but internally are filled with hypocrisy and wickedness. It serves as a warning against superficial appearances and the dangers of practicing deception.
As believers, we should strive for authenticity and integrity in our lives. We must ensure that our hearts align with our outward actions, seeking sincerity in our relationship with God and others rather than hiding behind a mask of righteousness.
Proverbs 12:22
“Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.”
This verse emphasizes God’s disdain for lies and deceit, highlighting the importance of honesty and faithfulness. It reminds us that God delights in those who live with integrity and truthfulness.
As followers of Christ, we are called to embody honesty and integrity in all aspects of our lives. We should strive to be people of our word, reflecting God’s character and bringing delight to His heart through our faithfulness.
Matthew 6:2
“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.”
In this verse, Jesus warns against performing acts of righteousness with the sole intention of receiving praise and recognition from others. He exposes the hypocrisy of those who prioritize human approval over genuine compassion for the needy.
Our motives matter to God. Instead of seeking the validation and applause of people, we should do good works quietly and sincerely, seeking to glorify God rather than ourselves. True acts of kindness come from a pure heart, devoid of the desire for personal recognition or gain.
Proverbs 10:9
“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.”
This verse highlights the importance of walking in integrity, emphasizing that those who live honestly and ethically can have confidence and security. Conversely, those who engage in deceitful and dishonest practices will eventually be exposed.
Living a life of integrity brings peace and stability. By aligning our actions with godly principles and remaining truthful, we can walk securely knowing that our character shines through and avoids the perils of a deceitful path.
Matthew 23:25-26
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First, clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.”
Jesus rebukes the religious leaders for focusing on outward appearances and neglecting the impurity within their hearts. He emphasizes the need for genuine inner transformation before expecting external righteousness.
As followers of Christ, we should prioritize the condition of our hearts, allowing God’s Spirit to cleanse us from within. True authenticity is obtained by seeking a heartfelt relationship with God and pursuing inner transformation through His grace and guidance.
Proverbs 26:23
“Like the glaze covering an earthen vessel are fervent lips with an evil heart.”
This verse likens fervent speech with an evil heart to a thin layer of glaze covering a flawed clay vessel. It implies that, despite outward displays of passion or conviction, true character is revealed by the intentions and condition of the heart.
We should be discerning in our interactions with others, understanding that someone’s words may not always reflect the true nature of their heart. Genuine character and integrity are shown not through passionate speeches but through consistent actions aligned with godly principles.
Matthew 15:8
“This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.”
Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of those who offer empty praise and worship with their lips but lack a true heart connection with God. He emphasizes the significance of genuine adoration and devotion to God.
Our worship of God should extend beyond mere outward expressions, reaching the depths of our hearts. It is essential to cultivate a genuine relationship with God, where our hearts align with our worship, ensuring that we honor God with sincerity and authenticity.
Proverbs 25:19
“Trusting in a treacherous man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.”
This verse illustrates the folly of placing trust in someone who is deceitful and unreliable. It compares such trust to the pain of a decaying tooth or the instability of a foot that slips.
We should be cautious in relying on individuals who have a track record of dishonesty or are known for their deceitful actions. It is wiser to place our trust in the Lord, who is steadfast and always faithful in times of trouble.
Matthew 7:21-23
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'”
In this passage, Jesus warns that mere profession of faith or outward displays of religious activities are insufficient for salvation. He emphasizes the importance of genuine obedience and a personal relationship with Him.
We should not be deceived by those who claim to be religious or perform miraculous feats if their actions do not align with the will of God. Our salvation depends on a true and intimate relationship with Jesus, characterized by obedience to His teachings and a transformed life.
Proverbs 20:22
“Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.”
This verse advises against seeking revenge or repaying evil. Instead, it encourages us to trust in God and wait for His deliverance.
When faced with deceit or harm from others, we should resist the urge to take matters into our own hands. Instead, we must rely on God’s justice, knowing that He sees all things and will ultimately bring about deliverance according to His perfect timing.
Matthew 6:16
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.”
Jesus warns against practicing religious acts, such as fasting, for the sake of seeking recognition and praise from others. He encourages a sincere and private approach to spiritual disciplines.
Our devotion to God should not be driven by a desire for public approval or attention. Instead, we should seek to cultivate a genuine and intimate relationship with Him, performing acts of worship and obedience with a humble and sincere heart.
Proverbs 29:12
“If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked.”
This verse highlights the influence of leadership on the behavior of those under their authority. It warns against leaders who give ear to lies and the detrimental impact it has on the integrity of their subordinates.
Leaders have a responsibility to uphold truth and righteousness, as their actions and decisions affect those they lead. We should pray for leaders who have discernment and seek honesty, ensuring that they guide with integrity and inspire those around them to do the same.
Matthew 23:3
“So practice and observe whatever they tell you—but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice.”
Jesus acknowledges the authority of the Pharisees’ teachings, instructing His followers to adhere to the truth conveyed. However, He warns against imitating their hypocritical behavior, where they fail to practice what they preach.
We should be discerning in our spiritual journey, distinguishing between true teachings of God and the flawed actions of those who may convey them. Our focus should be on embracing and imitating the character and conduct of Jesus Christ rather than imperfect human examples.
Proverbs 14:25
“A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies brings deceit.”
This verse emphasizes the life-saving impact of genuine truthfulness, contrasting it with the destructive nature of lies and deceit. It highlights the importance of honesty and integrity in our words.
As believers, we should strive to be truthful witnesses, aware of the weight our words carry. Lying and deceit can bring harm and confusion, while speaking truth can bring clarity, deliverance, and have an incredibly positive impact on the lives of others.
Matthew 12:33
“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit.”
Jesus uses the metaphor of fruit to illustrate the connection between a person’s character and their outward actions. He emphasizes that the nature of a person is evident through their words and deeds. It is a reminder that true character cannot be hidden or faked for long.
We should strive for consistency in our lives, ensuring that our actions align with the principles and values of the Kingdom of God. Our character should be a reflection of our relationship with Christ, producing good fruit that glorifies Him and blesses others.
Proverbs 21:6
“The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.”
This verse warns against obtaining wealth or material possessions through deceitful means. It highlights the transient nature of ill-gotten gains and the potential consequences of dishonesty.
We should prioritize integrity over personal gain, understanding that wealth acquired through lies and deceit is ultimately empty and comes with severe spiritual and worldly consequences. Trusting in God’s provision and living with integrity are far more valuable pursuits.
Matthew 5:37
“Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.”
Jesus calls for straightforwardness and truthfulness in our speech. He teaches that excessive elaboration or manipulation contradicts a heart grounded in honesty.
By developing a habit of speaking truthfully and living with integrity, we can cultivate trust and promote healthy, transparent relationships. It is important to communicate in a clear and straightforward manner, devoid of manipulation or deceit, as followers of Christ.
Proverbs 11:3
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.”
This verse highlights the importance of integrity in guiding the actions and decisions of the upright. It contrasts the destructive consequences that await those who engage in deceitful and treacherous behavior.
As believers, we should strive to maintain our integrity, allowing God’s principles to guide us in all areas of life. Walking in truth and righteousness protects us from the potential harm and ruin that dishonesty and treachery can bring.
Matthew 10:16
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”
Jesus acknowledges the presence of deceitful and dangerous individuals in the world. He instructs His followers to maintain wisdom and discernment while remaining innocent and pure in their dealings.
As we navigate a world filled with fake people and potential deception, we should seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern the motives and intentions of others. While being cautious and discerning, we should also strive to maintain our own integrity and purity of heart, reflecting the character of Christ.
Proverbs 26:28
“A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”
This verse emphasizes the destructive impact of lies and flattery. It suggests that those who engage in deceit harbor ill intentions and ultimately bring harm to those they deceive.
We must be vigilant in detecting lies and flattery, searching for sincerity and truthfulness in our relationships. By maintaining a discerning spirit, we can protect ourselves and others from the detrimental effects of deceitful individuals.