Scripture on Lying: A Guide to Truthfulness

Lying is a sin that has been condemned by God throughout Scripture. It is a betrayal of trust and a violation of the divine command to be truthful. This article will explore the biblical perspective on lying, examining the various passages that address this issue.

Consequences of Lying

Dishonor to God

• Lying is a sin against God because it violates His character of truthfulness (Proverbs 12:22).
• When we lie, we are essentially saying that God is not trustworthy or that His Word is not true (Romans 3:4).

Damage to Relationships

• Lying destroys trust and undermines relationships (Proverbs 14:5).
• It can lead to suspicion, resentment, and even estrangement (Proverbs 26:28).

Self-Condemnation

• Lying can lead to a guilty conscience and a sense of shame (Proverbs 28:1).
• It can also cause us to lose self-respect and damage our own character (Psalm 32:5).

Biblical Commands to Be Truthful

Speak the Truth

• One of the Ten Commandments is to "not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16).
• We are commanded to speak the truth in all our dealings (Ephesians 4:25).

Be Honest

• Honesty involves being truthful and transparent in our words and actions (Psalm 15:2).
• We are to avoid any form of deception or misrepresentation (Proverbs 11:1).

Love Our Neighbor

• Lying can be a form of selfishness, as we put our own interests above the well-being of others.
• True love requires us to be honest and trustworthy (1 Corinthians 13:6).

Examples of Lying in Scripture

Ananias and Sapphira

• In the book of Acts, Ananias and Sapphira lied about the price of a property they had sold (Acts 5:1-11).
• They were struck down by God for their deception.

Gehazi

• Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, lied about healing Naaman of leprosy (2 Kings 5:20-27).
• He was cursed with leprosy for his dishonesty.

Scripture clearly condemns lying as a sin against God and against others. It undermines trust, damages relationships, and leads to self-condemnation. As followers of Christ, we are called to be truthful and honest in all our dealings. By speaking the truth, being honest, and loving our neighbors, we honor God and live in integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions on Scripture on Lying

What does the Bible say about lying?

The Bible condemns lying as a sin against God and others. It teaches that lying is wrong because it breaks trust, damages relationships, and leads to other evils. The Bible says, "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord" (Proverbs 12:22) and "Do not lie to each other, since you have put off the old man with his deeds" (Colossians 3:9).

Is it ever acceptable to lie?

No, the Bible does not allow for any exceptions to the prohibition on lying. Even if it seems like a lie will prevent harm or promote good, it is still wrong. The Bible says, "Let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No' be 'No.'" (Matthew 5:37).

What are the consequences of lying?

Lying can have serious consequences, both for the person who lies and for those who are affected by the lie. It can damage trust, ruin relationships, and lead to legal problems. The Bible says, "A lying tongue brings ruin" (Proverbs 26:28).

How can I avoid lying?

To avoid lying, it is important to be honest with yourself and others. Be aware of your own thoughts and feelings, and do not say or do anything that you know is not true. If you are tempted to lie, ask yourself why you are doing it and whether there is a more honest way to handle the situation.

What should I do if I have lied?

If you have lied, it is important to confess your sin to God and to the person or people you have lied to. Ask for forgiveness and make amends for your wrongdoing. The Bible says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).