Lying and deceit are not only moral failings but deeply destructive forces that distort truth and fracture relationships.
The Bible is clear: dishonesty harms not only the person who lies but also the community and the world at large.
Deceit separates us from the truth of God, and its consequences are far-reaching.
Yet, in a world where falsehoods often seem easy to accept, the Scriptures stand as a guide to living with integrity.
These 35 Bible verses about lying and deceit remind us of the importance of truthfulness and the harmful effects of dishonesty.
By embracing God’s truth, we can free ourselves from the chains of deceit and walk in His light.
Bible Verses About Lies and Deceit
1. Proverbs 12:22 – Lying Is Detestable to God
“lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.”
Lying is not a minor sin; it’s detestable to God. The Scripture makes it clear that falsehoods are an affront to His holiness.
God takes no pleasure in deceit, and those who lie dishonor Him. His delight is in truth, and those who live with integrity are precious to Him.
The verse shows that God values honesty, and truth is a reflection of His character. It serves as a call to examine our speech and actions.
2. Revelation 21:8 – The Fate of Liars
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
The consequence of lying is serious. Liars, along with other sinners, face eternal separation from God.
This stark warning underscores the severity of falsehood in the eyes of God. It’s not just a sin; it’s a path that leads to destruction.
By identifying liars among the sinners condemned to hell, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of truthfulness.
3. Proverbs 6:16-17 – What God Hates
“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood.”
Lying is listed as one of the seven things God abhors. This highlights how deeply He detests deceit and falsehood.
A lying tongue is not just a minor flaw but a direct opposition to the truth and justice that God upholds.
This verse reminds us that God’s moral standards are high. Deceit violates His holiness and should be taken seriously in our own lives.
4. John 8:44 – The Father of Lies
“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
Jesus reveals that Satan is the origin of all lies. Lying is a characteristic of the enemy and goes against the nature of God.
This passage teaches us that when we lie, we align ourselves with the enemy’s ways, distancing ourselves from the truth of God.
Recognizing lying as a tool of the devil urges us to avoid deceit, choosing honesty and righteousness instead.
5. Psalm 101:7 – The Deceitful Shall Not Dwell with God
“He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.”
The psalmist declares that deceit and lying have no place in the presence of God. Those who practice deceit cannot remain in His house.
This passage emphasizes the separation between God’s holiness and sin. Lies pollute our relationship with Him.
It also calls us to examine our actions, ensuring that we live truthfully before God and others, as only the truthful can remain in His presence.
6. Proverbs 19:5 – Liars Will Be Punished
“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.”
Lying, especially when it harms others through false witness, invites judgment and punishment from God.
This verse reminds us that there are consequences for deceit, whether it is intentional or out of negligence.
God sees all lies and holds people accountable. His justice ensures that deceit will not go unpunished.
7. Colossians 3:9 – Put Away Lying
“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;”
Paul admonishes Christians to rid themselves of lying, which is part of the old nature.
As believers, we are called to live in the truth, reflecting the character of Christ rather than the deceitful patterns of our past.
This verse highlights the transformation that occurs when we accept Christ. Lying is incompatible with our new identity in Him.
8. Proverbs 14:5 – A Faithful Witness
“A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.”
This verse distinguishes between a faithful witness and a deceitful one. A true witness, like Christ, speaks only the truth.
Lying damages credibility and integrity, while honesty builds trust and reliability.
Living truthfully allows us to reflect God’s nature, which is always faithful and true.
9. Ephesians 4:25 – Speak the Truth
“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.”
Paul encourages believers to speak truthfully to one another, understanding that we are all part of the same body in Christ.
Lying disrupts unity and causes division, while honesty strengthens relationships and fosters trust.
This verse serves as a call to honor others with our words, ensuring we communicate with integrity.
10. Proverbs 24:28 – Avoid False Witness
“Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.”
This verse warns against bearing false witness, especially when there is no valid reason for it.
Lying about others not only harms them but also breaks God’s commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Honesty is essential for maintaining peace and justice. False accusations disrupt these, creating unnecessary conflict.
11. Psalm 119:29 – Keep Me from Falsehood
“Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.”
The psalmist asks God to protect him from the deceitful ways of the world.
This verse teaches us to seek God’s guidance and truth to avoid falling into the temptation of lying.
God’s word is a powerful tool in combating deceit, and we are called to rely on it for strength and wisdom.
12. Zechariah 8:16 – Speak Truthfully
“These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates.”
In this passage, Zechariah calls the people of Israel to uphold truth in their actions and speech.
Truthfulness is essential in creating peace and justice within a community. Without it, relationships are torn apart.
The command to speak truth is an invitation to build a society founded on integrity and peace.
13. Proverbs 20:17 – The Sweetness of Deception
“Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.”
While lies may seem harmless or beneficial in the short term, they lead to bitter consequences.
This verse reveals the temporary sweetness of deceit, followed by long-lasting regret and pain.
The cost of lying is far greater than the immediate gain. Honesty, though often difficult, brings lasting peace and contentment.
14. 1 John 2:21 – No Lie in the Truth
“I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.”
John affirms that truth and lies cannot coexist. If we know the truth, we must reject all falsehoods.
Lying contradicts the essence of God’s word and the nature of Christ.
By embracing truth, we align ourselves with God’s nature and walk in His light.
15. Matthew 15:19 – The Source of Evil Thoughts
“For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.”
Lying originates from the sinful nature of the human heart, reflecting our brokenness.
This verse reminds us that deceit is not just an external action but comes from within, requiring spiritual transformation.
To overcome lying, we need a change of heart, which can only come through Christ’s redemption.
16. Luke 16:10-11 – Faithfulness in Little Things
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.”
Jesus teaches that integrity in small matters is just as important as in larger ones.
Lying, even in the smallest things, is a sign of unfaithfulness. God calls us to be truthful in every area of life.
Our honesty in everyday situations reflects our relationship with God and our commitment to His truth.
17. Romans 3:13 – Deceitful Tongue
“Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips.”
This verse describes deceitful speech as toxic and deadly, capable of causing harm to others.
The metaphor of poison underlines the destructive nature of lies, which can spread negativity and cause lasting damage.
Truthful speech, in contrast, is life-giving and constructive, aligning us with God’s will.
18. Proverbs 4:24 – Keep Your Speech Pure
“Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.”
God calls us to purify our speech, avoiding falsehood and deceitful words.
This verse teaches that what we say reflects our inner character, and we should strive to speak with integrity.
By eliminating deceit from our speech, we align ourselves more closely with God’s righteousness.
19. Jeremiah 9:5 – Deceit Among People
“And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and wearied themselves to commit iniquity.”
Jeremiah laments the prevalence of deceit, where people have become so accustomed to lying that it’s become a way of life.
Deceitfulness erodes trust, leading to a society where truth is scarce, and lies are normalized.
This verse serves as a warning against becoming desensitized to dishonesty, urging us to remain committed to truth.
20. Proverbs 26:28 – The Danger of Lying
“A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.”
Lying not only harms others but also reveals hatred and malice.
This verse warns against the damage done by deceit, which works to destroy relationships and lives.
Flattering words may seem harmless but often lead to ruin, further illustrating the danger of dishonesty.
21. Proverbs 12:19 – Truth Endures
“The lip of truth shall be established forever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.”
This verse contrasts the eternal nature of truth with the fleeting existence of lies.
Lies may seem to offer short-term benefits, but they are temporary and ultimately fade away.
In contrast, the truth remains steadfast and enduring, reflecting God’s unchanging nature and eternal righteousness.
22. Titus 1:2 – The God Who Cannot Lie
“In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;”
God’s nature is defined by truth. He is incapable of lying, and His promises are certain and trustworthy.
This verse reinforces the reliability of God’s word. Unlike humans, who can falter, God’s promises are unshakable.
Knowing that God cannot lie encourages us to trust Him fully, as He is the ultimate source of truth.
23. Proverbs 19:9 – The Consequences of Falsehood
“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.”
The Bible warns that liars will face consequences. Falsehoods do not go unpunished, and they lead to destruction.
This verse highlights the seriousness with which God views lying, as it disrupts justice and truth.
Lies cause harm not only to others but to the liars themselves, ultimately leading to their downfall.
24. 1 Peter 2:1 – Put Away Deceit
“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,”
Peter urges believers to put away deceit, along with other sinful behaviors, to live in alignment with God’s truth.
Deceit and hypocrisy corrupt our hearts, hindering our ability to walk in integrity and truth.
By removing deceit from our lives, we honor God and build genuine, trustworthy relationships with others.
25. Psalm 34:13 – Speak the Truth
“Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.”
This verse teaches us to guard our speech, avoiding harmful words that can mislead or deceive.
Truthful speech is a reflection of a pure heart, and this verse challenges us to maintain honesty in all situations.
By choosing words carefully, we align ourselves with God’s desire for truth and righteousness.
26. Isaiah 59:3 – Deceitful Actions Lead to Separation
“For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.”
Isaiah points out that deceit is tied to deeper iniquities, leading to spiritual separation from God.
This verse demonstrates that lying is not just an action; it is a symptom of a deeper corruption of the heart.
When we embrace deceit, we create a divide between ourselves and God, distancing ourselves from His presence.
27. Proverbs 17:7 – Integrity Is Far Better Than Lies
“Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.”
This verse highlights that integrity is far more valuable than deceit, even for those in positions of power.
Lying lips dishonor both the speaker and those who hear them. Integrity is essential for leadership and righteousness.
Whether in authority or not, every believer is called to speak truth, upholding God’s standard of honesty.
28. Proverbs 21:6 – The Deceitful Gain Nothing
“The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.”
This verse emphasizes that wealth or success gained through deceit is ultimately empty and fleeting.
Lies may temporarily deceive others, but they lead to ruin. True prosperity comes through honesty and righteousness.
The pursuit of deceit is destructive, as it leads the deceiver further away from life and truth.
29. Jeremiah 9:6 – The Deceitful Nature of Hearts
“Thine habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the Lord.”
Jeremiah laments the prevalence of deceit in society, where people choose to embrace lies over knowing God.
This verse reveals the spiritual damage deceit causes, leading people to reject the truth and the knowledge of God.
Lying blinds us to God’s will and truth, pushing us further away from His presence.
30. Matthew 7:15 – Beware of False Prophets
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”
Jesus warns against those who deceive in the name of righteousness, pretending to be followers of God while misleading others.
False prophets may seem harmless on the outside, but their deceitful nature is dangerous and leads others astray.
This verse reminds us to remain vigilant, discerning between truth and falsehood in spiritual matters.
31. Proverbs 14:25 – The Truth Saves
“A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.”
A true witness brings deliverance, as honesty and truth have the power to heal and restore.
In contrast, lies bring harm, deceiving others and leading them down a path of destruction.
This verse encourages us to be truthful in our testimony, knowing that our words can either save or destroy.
32. 1 John 1:6 – Fellowship with God Requires Truth
“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.”
This verse teaches that walking in deceit separates us from fellowship with God. Honesty is essential for maintaining a relationship with Him.
Lies hinder our walk with God, as they prevent us from living in the light of His truth.
To truly fellowship with God, we must align our actions and words with His divine truth.
33. Proverbs 11:3 – Integrity Guides the Upright
“The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.”
Integrity is a guiding force for the righteous, leading them to make wise and truthful decisions.
Deceit, on the other hand, leads to destruction. The liar is trapped by their own falsehoods.
This verse reminds us that walking in integrity ensures that we are aligned with God’s truth, leading to His blessings.
34. Psalm 120:2 – Deliverance from Deceit
“Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.”
The psalmist calls on God to deliver him from the harm of deceitful people.
Lying lips can cause great pain, and the psalmist seeks refuge in God’s protection from these dangers.
God is a deliverer, offering freedom from the chains of deceit and bringing us into His truth.
35. Proverbs 6:16-19 – The Lord Hates Deceit
“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood.”
God detests lying tongues, ranking them among the things He abhors. This verse underlines the seriousness of deceit in His eyes.
The Lord’s hatred of lying reveals the importance of truth in His kingdom. Falsehoods disrupt the order and righteousness He desires.
We are called to reject deceit and live according to God’s truth, honoring His commands in our speech and actions.
Our Thoughts On What The Bible Says About Lies and Deceit
The Bible unequivocally condemns lying and deceit, viewing them as a direct violation of God’s truth and righteousness.
Lying disrupts relationships, destroys trust, and distances us from the heart of God.
Each verse reinforces the importance of living truthfully, with integrity and reflecting the character of Christ.
Honesty is not just about words; it’s about living a life of transparency and righteousness.
The consequences of deceit are severe, but the reward of truth is peace, reconciliation, and divine favor.
As followers of Christ, we are called to speak the truth in love and walk in the light of God’s Word.
Say This Prayer
Heavenly Father, we repent of all deceit in our lives, whether in word or action.
Help us to walk in Your truth, speaking with integrity and love.
May we always reflect Your righteousness and avoid the harm that lies bring.
Strengthen us to resist the temptation to deceive and empower us to live in honesty, building trust with others and growing closer to You.
We surrender our tongues to You, asking for purity and truthfulness in all that we say. In Jesus’ name, Amen.