Honesty is a cornerstone, a virtue revered across cultures and ideologies.
For Christians, truthfulness transcends mere moral guidance; it is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible.
These passages below do more than underscore the ethical necessity of truthfulness; they also illuminate its spiritual importance to the faithful.
Also See:
- Prayers about Lying(With Scriptures to Back)
- Affirmations About Lying
- Funny Bible Verses (With Explanation)
Bible Verses About Lying
1. Exodus 20:16
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
ESV
This short directive stresses the significance of truthfulness and integrity in our interactions with others.
It emphasizes that intentionally providing false testimony or lying about someone else is strictly forbidden.
This commandment was and still is particularly relevant in ancient and modern legal contexts during court proceedings, where truthful testimony is crucial for justice.
We uphold our neighbor’s reputation and contribute to a righteous community by following this commandment.
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2. Exodus 23:1
You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a emalicious witness.
ESV
This commandment emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and integrity.
It warns against spreading false rumors, aligning with the wicked, or following popular opinion to pervert justice.
Instead, we are called to uphold the truth and act justly, regardless of social pressure or personal convenience.
3. Proverbs 12:22
Lying lips are ian abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
ESV
The phrase “lying lips” symbolizes deceit, manipulation, and betrayal. God, who embodies truth and justice, despises such dishonesty.
Being trustworthy involves consistency, reliability, and integrity.
We align ourselves with God’s delight when we speak truthfully and act honestly.
Thus, this proverb serves as a moral compass, urging us to choose the path of integrity and earn God’s favor.
4. Proverbs 14:5
A faithful witness does not lie, but ma false witness breathes out lies.
ESV
An honest witness upholds truth and integrity. Their testimony is reliable and straightforward, devoid of deception.
Their words carry weight and contribute to a just and righteous society when they speak.
In contrast, a false witness is characterized by a torrent of lies.
Their words flow like a ceaseless stream of falsehoods, undermining trust and justice.
This proverb reminds us that our words matter, and our witness role demands unwavering truthfulness.
5. Proverbs 17:7
Fine speech is not wbecoming to a fool; still less is xfalse speech to a prince.
ESV
Eloquent speech becomes conflicting when wielded by a fool devoid of a moral compass.
The beauty of eloquence loses its luster when it serves unrighteous purposes.
A godless fool, lacking wisdom and virtue, misuses eloquence for deceit, manipulation, or empty rhetoric.
Their words may dazzle momentarily, but their lack of integrity renders them unfit for noble purposes.
6. Zephaniah 3:13
Those who are left in Israel; they gshall do no injustice and speak no lies, nor shall there be found in their mouth a deceitful tongue. For they shall graze and lie down, and none shall make them afraid
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This verse pictures a transformed people, a community marked by righteousness.
Their actions will not be stained by wrongdoing, and their words will be trustworthy, sincere, and devoid of deceit.
By guarding their tongues, they honor God and contribute to a world where honesty prevails.
7. Ephesians 4:25
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
ESV
The apostle Paul exhorts believers to reject falsehood and speak truthfully to their neighbors.
This letter by Apostle Paul highlights honesty, integrity, and the interconnectedness of all believers within the body of Christ.
8. Colossians 3:9
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices
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This verse urges Christians to embrace honesty, reflecting their new identity in Christ.
By shedding their old ways, believers are called to live truthfully, fostering authentic relationships and embodying Christ’s teachings.
9. John 8:44
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
ESV
Jesus confronts the religious leaders, asserting that their actions align with their spiritual lineage.
He declares that they belong to their spiritual father, the devil, whose nature is deception, murder, and falsehood.
The devil’s native language is lies, and he is the ultimate source of deceit.
This verse is a stark reminder of the battle between truth and falsehood, urging us to align ourselves with the truth and reject the father of lies.
10. 1 John 1:6
If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
ESV
The apostle John addresses the concept of fellowship with God and the importance of living in the light of truth.
By guarding their tongues and avoiding deceit, believers demonstrate their transformation from their old sinful nature to the new self in Christ.
This verse outlines the importance of truthfulness in promoting a community marked by love, trust, and righteousness.
11. Proverbs 10:18
The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool.
ESV
This verse contrasts the behavior of two types of witnesses: the honest and the deceitful.
Firstly, it extols the virtue of honesty in bearing witness. An honest witness upholds truth and integrity.
Their testimony is reliable and straightforward. In contrast, a false witness is identified by lies.
12. Proverbs 10:9
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.
ESV
This verse contrasts the behavior of two types of individuals: those who live with honesty, transparency, and moral uprightness experience security.
While those who opt for deceitful, dishonest, or unethical paths will eventually face exposure.
Their deception will be revealed through consequences or the unraveling of lies.
13. Proverbs 16:28
A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.
ESV
This scripture warns against the destructive power of gossip and slander.
It pinpoints how the actions of a deceitful individual can incite conflict and drive a wedge between once-close companions.
14. Proverbs 30:8
Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me,
ESV
The verse embodies a heartfelt plea for integrity and contentment.
The Bible implores us to be shielded from falsehood and deceit, emphasizing a desire for a simple life.
Prioritizing honesty and modesty over pursuing material wealth should not be a subject for debate amongst God’s chosen.
15. Matthew 5:11
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
ESV
Jesus delivers a profound message acknowledging the challenges those who follow Christ face.
It assures them that despite the hardships, they are blessed.
When believers endure insults, persecution, and false accusations because of their faith, they share Christ’s sufferings.
Their commitment to truth and righteousness aligns them with the kingdom of God, even amidst adversity.
16. Proverbs 8:13
The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.
ESV
The fear of the Lord is portrayed as a profound rejection of pride, arrogance, and corrupt speech (lies), illustrating a commitment to righteousness and moral purity.
17. Psalm 120:2
Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.
ESV
The psalmist cries out this heartfelt plea, acknowledging the harm caused by falsehood and deceit.
The psalmist seeks deliverance from those who spread lies and slander, recognizing that only God can rescue them from such treacherous words.
18. Psalm 15:2
He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart;
ESV
This verse extols the virtues of integrity and righteousness.
It describes the characteristics of a blameless person and the importance of outward actions and truthful speech that stems from a sincere heart.
19. Psalm 34:13
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.
ESV
This scripture delivers a succinct exhortation underscoring the importance of guarding our speech, avoiding harmful words, and always being truthful.
20. Mark 7:20-23
And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. 21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, mmurder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
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Jesus teaches that true defilement originates from within a person.
Evil thoughts and actions emanate from the heart.
Rather than external factors, these internal struggles defile a person’s character.
21. Acts 5:3
But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?
ESV
Peter confronts Ananias, questioning how Satan has so thoroughly filled his heart that he dared to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold part of the money from the sale of land.
This verse highlights the severity of the consequences of deceit and the danger of yielding to evil influences.
22. Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
ESV
The apostle Paul encourages believers to guard their speech.
He reiterates that our words should be constructive, edifying others rather than tearing them down.
We benefit ourselves and those who listen by speaking with kindness and consideration.
23. 1 Timothy 4:2
through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,
ESV
Apostle Paul, in this scripture, warns about false teachings propagated by hypocritical liars.
With consciences scorched as if branded by a hot iron, these deceivers spread insincere doctrines undermining true faith.
24. James 3:1
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness
ESV
This scripture cautions fellow believers against rushing into the role of teachers.
He emphasizes that those who take up this important responsibility will face greater scrutiny and a stricter judgment from the Lord.
25. Psalms 119:163
I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law.
ESV
The psalmist strongly dislikes lying and falsehood, including deceitful speech in everyday conversations and erroneous teachings.
Simultaneously, the psalmist affirms their deep love for God’s law, recognizing its holiness, justice, and truth.
This should be the attitude of all believers towards deceit at all times.
26. Proverbs 13:5
The righteous hates falsehood, but the wicked brings shame and disgrace.
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As this scripture shows, there has always been and always should be a contrast in the attitudes of the righteous and the wicked.
The righteous harbor a genuine distaste for falsehood, while the wicked’s actions emit an objectionable odor, leading to shame.
27. Hosea 11:12
Ephraim has surrounded me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit, but Judah still walks with God and is faithful to the Holy One.
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This particular verse paints a picture of deception and rebellion among the Israelites.
The prophet mourns the pervasive presence of lies and deceit within the nation, lamenting the betrayal of trust and the defiance against God, even among the chosen people.
28. 1 Peter 3:10-11
For Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; 11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.
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Believers are urged to guard their speech with diligence, understanding that the quality of life and the pursuit of goodness are tied to the integrity of their words.
29. Psalm 15:2-3
He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
ESV
Psalm 15:2-3 describes the character of a person qualified to be in the Lord’s presence.
Such an individual walks with integrity, works righteousness, and speaks truth genuinely.
Their words align with their heart and refrain from slander, harm, and casting insults.
30. Matthew 19:18-19
He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
ESV
Jesus outlines several commandments for a young man who seeks eternal life.
The prohibition against bearing false testimony stands out.
This command emphasizes the importance of truthfulness in our words and interactions with others.
Refraining from spreading falsehoods, we honor God and demonstrate love for our neighbors.
Conclusion
Truthfulness, integrity, honesty, and sincerity in our words and actions matter deeply to God.
From the stern warnings against false testimony to the call for genuine love and respect for others, the Scriptures guide us toward a life marked by authenticity.
As we reflect on these verses, may we strive to honor God by speaking truth from our hearts and avoiding deceit.