Lying? part 2

What does the Bible say?

Yesterday we looked at a definition of lying. Today I want to look at what the Bible has to say about lying.


What commands are we given about lying?

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Exodus 20:16

You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another. And you shall not swear by My name falsely, nor shall you profane the name of your God: I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:11-12

Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, Colossians 3:9-10

What is God's view of lying?

These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren. Proverbs 6:16-19

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight. Proverbs 12:22

What should be our view about lying?

I hate and abhor lying, But I love Your law. Psalm 119:163

A righteous man hates lying, But a wicked man is loathsome and comes to shame.
Proverbs 13:5

For He said, “Surely they are My people, Children who will not lie.” So He became their Savior. Isaiah 63:8

Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust, And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Psalm 40:4

He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence. Psalm 101:7

Remove from me the way of lying, And grant me Your law graciously. Psalm 119:29

What is desired in a man is kindness, And a poor man is better than a liar. Proverbs 19:22

What kind of person is characterized by lying?

You love evil more than good, Lying rather than speaking righteousness. Psalm 52:3

They only consult to cast him down from his high position; They delight in lies; They bless with their mouth, But they curse inwardly. Psalm 62:4

But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? Acts 5:3

You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. John 8:44

The Bible certainly is not quiet about lying. What are some of the truths we see in the text?

Lying is clearly forbidden.
Lying is not characteristic of a Christian.
Lying is characteristic of an unregenerate soul.
Lying should be dealt with seriously.
We find no statement from God commending lying or allowing lying.

Take the time to look up other references about lying. Here are some links that might be helpful with this.

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Tomorrow we will look at the example of Rahab. Is Rahab an example of "righteous lying"? Read Joshua 2 and Hebrews 11:30-31