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What does the Bible say about not telling the truth?

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The Bible condemns falsehood and calls God’s people to speak the truth in love, because God is true and Satan is the father of lies. Proverbs 6:16-19 and Proverbs 12:22 show that lying is hateful to the Lord, while Ephesians 4:25 commands believers to put away falsehood and speak truthfully with one another. In Christ, Christians are being renewed after God’s image, so Colossians 3:9-10 urges them not to lie. Truth is not merely a rule but is found in Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Through repentance, careful handling of God’s Word, and reliance on grace, believers grow in honest speech.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Proverbs 6:16-19 9 votes

    [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 12:22 7 votes

    Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh, But those who do the truth are his delight.

  • Colossians 3:9-10 6 votes

    [9] Don't lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings, [10] and have put on the new man, that is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator,

  • 2 Timothy 2:15 5 votes

    Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn't need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.

  • John 8:32 4 votes

    You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."

  • Ephesians 4:15 3 votes

    but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ;

  • Ephesians 4:25 2 votes

    Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak truth each one with his neighbor. For we are members one of another.

  • Numbers 23:19 2 votes

    God is not a man, that he should lie, Neither the son of man, that he should repent: Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not make it good?

  • John 14:6 2 votes

    Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.

  • John 8:44 2 votes

    You are of your Father, the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and doesn't stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks on his own; for he is a liar, and the father of it.

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