What does the Bible say about dishonest people?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible condemns dishonesty as hateful to God and calls His people to live truthfully, discerningly, and peaceably before Him. Proverbs 6:16-19 names lying, false witness, and sowing conflict among the sins the Lord hates, while Proverbs 20:17 warns that deceit may seem pleasant at first but brings bitter consequences. Christians should not repay wrong with wrong, but overcome evil with good, as Romans 12:17-21 teaches. We are to test claims by God’s truth, for not every voice is from God (1 John 4:1), and to recognize that professed faith without obedience is false (1 John 2:4). When deception damages the church, Matthew 18:15-17 provides a patient path of correction and discipline. God Himself cannot lie, and His Word exposes every heart (Hebrews 6:18; 4:12).
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 6:16-19
[16] There are six things which Yahweh hates; Yes, seven which are an abomination to him: [17] Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood; [18] A heart that devises wicked schemes, Feet that are swift in running to mischief, [19] A false witness who utters lies, And he who sows discord among brothers.
- Proverbs 20:17
Fraudulent food is sweet to a man, But afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel.
- Romans 12:17-21
[17] Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. [18] If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. [19] Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord." [20] Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head." [21] Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
- 1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
- 1 John 4:1
Beloved, don't believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
- 1 John 2:4
One who says, "I know him," and doesn't keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth isn't in him.
- Titus 3:10
Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning;
- Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
- Matthew 18:15-17
[15] "If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. [16] But if he doesn't listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. [17] If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector.
- Hebrews 6:18
that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to take hold of the hope set before us.
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