Every Christian is aware that lying is wrong, yet most of us tell some sort of lie on a daily basis. Lying is a temptation we all struggle with, because sometimes a small white lie can feel like it makes our lives a bit easier. We might even thin that lying our way out of a situation to avoid the truth is better in the long run. Rarely, though, do any of the lies we tell have positive results. They can often lead to mistrust, betrayal, and an endless cycle of more lies.
God never intended for us to live this way. God saw the dangers of lying and how it could hurt both the liar and the person being lied too. So, God put important messages in the Bible to warn us about lying and encouraged us to live a life of honor, truth, and trustworthiness. Here is what the Bible has to say.
God instructs us not to lie.
It is abundantly clear in the Bible that lies are a sin against God. Even in the 10 Commandments we are told to not lie (Exodos 20:16). Proverbs 6:16-19 reiterates this, saying “For there are six things the Lord hates—no, seven: haughtiness, lying, murdering, plotting evil, eagerness to do wrong, a false witness, sowing discord among brothers.” Lying can turn us into wicked men, because we are not signaling our true intentions to our friends (Proverbs 6:12-13). Furthermore, God believes those who lie hate their victims (Proverbs 26:28).
Lying was a recognized sin right from the beginning of time. This was made evident in the condemnation of the serpent's lie in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3) and God's judgment upon him. When Abraham lied about Sarah being his sister instead of his wife, he almost lost her as a result. Instead, God intervened and rescued them from this situation, though it was clearly seen as wrong (Genesis 12:18-20).
God says there will be consequences for lying.
God was clear that those that lie will be caught and punished (Proverbs 19:9). He reiterates this in Luke 8:17 which says, “For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.” Though we might think we are only saying a small, innocent lie, our actions will be considered sinful.
Some people lie without any fear of retaliation, and even make money from it. In Proverbs 21:6 and 8 God says, “A fortune made by people who tell lies amounts to nothing and leads to death…But the conduct of those who are not guilty is honest.” Those who use misleading tactics to gain power and money will be in trouble. God will not deal with those people gently. In Psalm 12:2-6 it says, “Everyone deceives and flatters and lies. There is no sincerity left. But the Lord will not deal gently with people who act like that; He will destroy those proud liars who say, ‘We will lie to our heart’s content. Our lips are our own; who can stop us?’ The Lord replies, ‘I will arise and defend the oppressed, the poor, the needy. I will rescue them as they have longed for me to do.’ The Lord’s promise is sure. He speaks no careless word; all He says is purest truth, like silver seven times refined.” God will find those who are honest and true and save them from the liars and manipulators of the world.
Satan is the father of lies.
Lying is not only a sin from God but is a direct act of the devil. John 8:44 says, "For you are the children of your father the devil and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning and a hater of truth — there is not an iota of truth in him. When he lies, it is perfectly normal; for he is the father of liars." Lying is the work of the devil, and he will encourage us and tempt us to spit out false truths to tear us away from our Creator. We must put defenses up so that we cannot hear the whispers of Satan in our ear, and that starts with dedicating our lives to the truth.
God will help us to stop lying.
When Satan has taken ahold of our minds, we might find ourselves lying with ease and pleasure. With God’s help we can end this line of thinking. Philippians 4:13 says “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” The Lord can give you the guidance to start telling the truth, even when it is hard. When we are feeling overwhelmed with temptation, we can take comfort in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that says, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." God will take our weakness and turn it into power, and work through you so that you can overcome the sins you have committed (2 Corinthians 10:13).
God will forgive you for lying.
It is never too late to ask God for forgives for the sins you have committed. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. God never lied in the Bible; He only wrote down the truth. So, we can trust Him to fully accept us, even as sinners, and give us the gift of redemption (1 Timothy 1:15). To really be forgiven, we must come to God with an open heart that has guilt for the sins we committed. God can see inside our hearts and knows when we are not full of repentance.
Lying, both big and small, is a sin before God. He calls for us to turn to Him for forgiveness, speak the truth, and walk in His truth. Only then can we fully live our lives out for Him and give glory to God in Heaven.
