Lying may seem like a small act to some, especially when it’s done to avoid conflict or to cover up a mistake. But in the eyes of God, dishonesty is not only a sin, it is destructive to relationships, integrity, and one’s spiritual standing. The Bible is filled with warnings about the dangers of deceit, both for individuals and for communities. From Genesis to Revelation, we see how lying leads to broken trust, separation from God, and sometimes, devastating consequences.
At the core of lying is a rejection of truth. And since God is truth, to lie is to move away from His character. Satan is referred to as the father of lies, showing us clearly that deceit is the language of darkness. God’s people are called to walk in the light, to speak truthfully, and to live with integrity. These verses shine a light on how seriously God takes lying and what it can cost those who practice it. May this collection stir a desire in you to speak truth, even when it is difficult, and to live honestly before God and others.
Bible Verses About The Consequences of Lying
1. Proverbs 12:22
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.
2. Revelation 21:8
…all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur.
3. Colossians 3:9–10
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.
4. Proverbs 19:5
A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.
5. Exodus 20:16
You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
6. Psalm 101:7
No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.
7. Proverbs 6:16–19
There are six things the Lord hates… a lying tongue… a false witness who pours out lies.
8. Ephesians 4:25
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor.
9. Proverbs 14:5
An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.
10. Acts 5:3–5
Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit?… he fell down and died.
11. Leviticus 19:11
Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another.
12. 1 John 2:4
Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar.
13. Zechariah 8:16–17
Speak the truth to each other… do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this, declares the Lord.
14. Proverbs 21:6
A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.
15. Psalm 34:13
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.
16. 1 Peter 3:10
Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.
17. Isaiah 59:2–3
Your iniquities have separated you from your God… your lips have spoken falsely.
18. Hosea 10:13
But you have planted wickedness, you have reaped evil, you have eaten the fruit of deception.
19. Micah 6:12
Your rich people are violent; your inhabitants are liars and their tongues speak deceitfully.
20. Jeremiah 9:5–6
Friend deceives friend, and no one speaks the truth… they refuse to acknowledge me, declares the Lord.
21. Matthew 15:18–19
The things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart… false testimony… these are what defile a person.
22. Proverbs 10:18
Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.
23. 1 Timothy 1:9–10
…the law is made… for the liars and perjurers…
24. Titus 1:2
…in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time.
25. Jeremiah 23:32
I am against those who prophesy false dreams… and tell them, and lead my people astray.
26. Psalm 52:3–4
You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth.
27. Isaiah 30:9
For these are rebellious people, deceitful children, unwilling to listen to the Lord’s instruction.
28. Proverbs 17:7
Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool—how much worse lying lips to a ruler!
29. Psalm 5:6
You destroy those who tell lies. The bloodthirsty and deceitful you, Lord, detest.
30. 2 Thessalonians 2:10–11
They perish because they refused to love the truth… God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie.
31. Isaiah 32:7
Scoundrels use wicked methods, they make up evil schemes to destroy the poor with lies.
32. 2 Corinthians 4:2
We have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception.
33. Matthew 7:15–16
Watch out for false prophets… by their fruit you will recognize them.
34. Psalm 119:29
Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law.
35. Revelation 22:15
Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
Our Thoughts On what the Bible Says about the Consequences of Lying
Lying might feel like an easy escape in the moment, but its long-term consequences are always heavier than we expect. God is a God of truth, and anything outside of truth leads us away from Him. The Scriptures show that lying invites judgment, severs trust, damages relationships, and ultimately separates us from God’s presence.
While the world often celebrates clever deception, God honors integrity. Thankfully, the same Bible that warns against lies also offers grace to those who confess and turn from dishonesty. If you’ve been caught in a web of lies, know that it’s not too late to walk in the light. Repentance opens the door to healing, and truth always brings freedom.
Say This Prayer
Father, I ask for Your mercy. Forgive me for the times I have spoken lies or lived in deceit. Cleanse my heart and renew my mind. Help me to value truth the way You do. Teach me to be honest in all things, even when it costs me something. I surrender my words, my intentions, and my heart to You. May my mouth speak only what is right, and may my life reflect Your truth. Thank You for always offering grace and restoration. In Jesus’ name, Amen.