What does the Bible say about telling a lie?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that lying is a serious sin because God is true and calls his people to reflect his truthfulness in word and deed. Proverbs 6:16-19 names a lying tongue and false witness among the things the Lord hates, while Proverbs 12:19 contrasts enduring truth with momentary falsehood. The ninth commandment forbids bearing false witness (Deuteronomy 5:20), and Exodus 23:1 warns against spreading false reports. In Christ, believers are to put away falsehood and speak truth to one another (Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 3:9-10). Though lies merit God’s judgment, the gospel offers forgiveness and transforming grace to those who repent and walk in truth.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 6:16-19 13 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 12:19 12 votes
Truth's lips will be established forever, But a lying tongue is only momentary.
- Proverbs 19:5 9 votes
A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who pours out lies shall not go free.
- Ephesians 4:25 9 votes
Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak truth each one with his neighbor. For we are members one of another.
- Colossians 3:9-10 7 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,
- Deuteronomy 5:20 7 votes
"Neither shall you give false testimony against your neighbor.
- Proverbs 19:9 7 votes
A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who utters lies shall perish.
- Exodus 23:1 6 votes
"You shall not spread a false report. Don't join your hand with the wicked to be a malicious witness.
- 1 John 2:4 6 votes
One who says, "I know him," and doesn't keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth isn't in him.
- Matthew 19:18 5 votes
He said to him, "Which ones?" Jesus said, "'You shall not murder.' 'You shall not commit adultery.' 'You shall not steal.' 'You shall not offer false testimony.'
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