Deceit, dishonesty and manipulation, there’s nothing more unsettling than being lied to. In the Bible, God makes it abundantly clear that lying is an offense that He truly hates.
Today, we will will look at just a few of the many biblical passages which reveal how much God despises those who lie and why He urges us to be truthful instead.
Bible Verses About God Hates Liars
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.
In this passage from Proverbs, the author outlines seven things that God detests, with a lying tongue and a false witness who pours out lies among them. The emphasis here is on the destructive consequences of dishonesty and deceit. God values truth and honesty, so it is not surprising that He despises the act of lying. By avoiding these negative behaviors, one can strive to lead a life that aligns with God’s expectations.
Proverbs 12:22
Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
The contrast in this verse highlights the stark difference between lying lips and those who act faithfully. God sees lying as an abomination, while He takes delight in those who practice faithfulness and honesty. This verse serves as a reminder to uphold truth and integrity in our lives, as these qualities are pleasing to God and strengthen our relationship with Him.
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.
In Ephesians, Paul urges believers to put away falsehood and speak the truth. This instruction emphasizes the importance of honesty in building a strong and united community of faith. When believers practice truthfulness, they contribute to the well-being of the entire body of Christ. Lying, on the other hand, can sow discord and mistrust, which weakens the foundation of the community.
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 from Colossians encourages believers not to lie, as it is inconsistent with their new identity in Christ. When someone becomes a Christian, they are expected to leave behind their old, sinful ways and embrace a new way of living, one that reflects the image of God. Lying is not compatible with this new life and goes against the process of spiritual renewal.
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.
Jesus confronts the Pharisees in this verse, calling out their deceit and linking lying to the devil. The devil is described as the father of lies, indicating that dishonesty originates from him. This association serves as a strong warning against lying, as it connects the act of dishonesty with the very nature of the enemy.
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Acts 5:3-4
Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”
In this account of Ananias and Sapphira, Peter exposes their deception and explains the gravity of their sin. They lied not only to people but also to God, showing a lack of respect for the Holy Spirit. Their deceitful actions reveal the corrupting influence of Satan on the human heart. This story serves as a warning to believers about the dire consequences of dishonesty and the importance of being truthful in all aspects of life.
Psalm 101:7
No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.
In this Psalm, the author expresses his commitment to maintaining a household free from deceit and dishonesty. He declares that those who engage in lying will not be welcome in his presence or in his home. This verse underscores the value of truthfulness in relationships and the importance of upholding honesty in every aspect of life.
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.
In this passage from Zechariah, the Lord outlines His expectations for His people. Speaking the truth and rendering sound judgment are essential to maintaining a just and righteous society. God explicitly states His hatred for false oaths and evil plots, indicating the importance of honesty and integrity in our lives.
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, Paul lists various sins that are contrary to sound doctrine, including lying and perjury. The inclusion of dishonesty in this list emphasizes the severity of lying as a sin and underscores the importance of adhering to truthful living in accordance with Christian teaching.
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 from Revelation serves as a stark warning about the eternal consequences of unrepentant sin, including lying. All liars, along with other sinners, will face the second death in the lake of fire. This terrifying prospect emphasizes the gravity of dishonesty and the need for believers to strive for truthfulness in their lives.
Leviticus 19:11
You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another.
In this verse from Leviticus, God’s commandment to the Israelites encompasses multiple aspects of dishonesty, including stealing, dealing falsely, and lying. This comprehensive instruction highlights the importance of integrity in all areas of life and the necessity of practicing truthfulness in all interactions.
Proverbs 19:9
A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.
This proverb serves as a reminder that dishonesty carries consequences. A false witness and those who lie will ultimately face punishment, reinforcing the importance of truthfulness and integrity. This wisdom encourages us to uphold honesty in all aspects of our lives to avoid the negative outcomes associated with lying.
Proverbs 14:5
A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.
The contrast in this verse emphasizes the life-saving power of truthfulness versus the destructive nature of dishonesty. A truthful witness can save lives by providing accurate information, while a deceitful person contributes to harm and chaos. This proverb highlights the importance of honesty and the weighty consequences of dishonesty.
Exodus 20:16
You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
This commandment from the Ten Commandments explicitly forbids bearing false witness against one’s neighbor. It underscores the significance of honesty in maintaining healthy relationships and fostering trust within a community. Bearing false testimony can lead to unjust consequences and suffering for others, and thus, it is crucial to practice truthfulness in all aspects of life.
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 lips, especially for a ruler or person in a position of authority. Leaders are expected to uphold truth and integrity, as dishonesty can lead to corruption and the erosion of trust among their followers. The proverb emphasizes the importance of honest communication and moral character, especially for those in leadership roles.
Psalm 5:6
You destroy those who tell lies; the LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit.
In this Psalm, the author describes the consequences of lying and deceit, stating that God will destroy those who engage in such practices. The verse emphasizes that God abhors dishonesty, further illustrating the importance of truthfulness and integrity in our lives. By avoiding lying and deceit, we align ourselves with God’s values and strengthen our relationship with Him.
Proverbs 13:5
The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked make themselves a stench and bring shame on themselves.
This verse establishes a contrast between the righteous and the wicked, highlighting their differing attitudes towards falsehood. The righteous detest lies, while the wicked engage in dishonesty and bring shame upon themselves. This proverb serves as a reminder to pursue righteousness by valuing truth and avoiding deceit.
1 Peter 2:1
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.
In this verse, Peter encourages believers to rid themselves of various negative traits, including deceit and hypocrisy. The inclusion of deceit among these traits underscores the importance of honesty and integrity in the Christian life. By eliminating these harmful attitudes and behaviors, believers can grow in their faith and become more Christ-like.
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Proverbs 21:6
A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.
This verse warns against seeking wealth through dishonest means, as it will be short-lived and ultimately lead to one’s downfall. Pursuing material gain through deception is not only morally wrong but also unsustainable. The proverb serves as a reminder to prioritize truth and honesty in our actions, as well as to seek lasting, spiritual riches rather than temporal, material wealth.
Proverbs 26:28
A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.
This proverb highlights the damaging effects of a lying tongue, stating that it is hateful towards those it harms. Additionally, flattery can also lead to destruction. Both dishonesty and insincere praise can cause harm and ruin relationships. This wisdom emphasizes the importance of being truthful and genuine in our interactions with others, as well as the value of fostering trust and respect.
Final Thoughts
God’s word is clear that lying and dishonesty are not acceptable in His eyes. According to these Bible verses, we have see that God despises liars and makes it known that He will oppose those who do not stand by the truth.
By making wise decisions based on what is right rather than succumbing to temptation, we can honor our Creator through living a life of integrity with no room for lies or deceit.