Topical Encyclopedia Lying, defined as the act of making a false statement with the intention to deceive, is consistently portrayed in the Bible as an act detestable to God. The Scriptures emphasize the importance of truth and integrity, underscoring that God Himself embodies truth. Lying, therefore, stands in direct opposition to His nature and commands.Biblical Condemnation of Lying The Bible explicitly condemns lying in numerous passages. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists lying among the seven things that are an abomination to the Lord: "There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community" . This passage highlights the severity with which God views deceit, placing it alongside other grievous sins. In the Ten Commandments, God commands His people, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16). This commandment underscores the importance of truthfulness in maintaining justice and harmony within the community. Bearing false witness not only harms individuals but also disrupts societal order, which God desires to be founded on truth and righteousness. The Nature of God and Truth God's nature is inherently truthful, as seen in passages such as Numbers 23:19: "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?" . This verse affirms that God is unchanging and faithful, incapable of deceit. As followers of God, believers are called to emulate His character, which includes a commitment to truth. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, further exemplifies this truthfulness. In John 14:6, Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" . Jesus' identification as "the truth" signifies that truth is not merely a concept but is personified in Him. As Christians are called to follow Christ, they are also called to live in truth. Consequences of Lying The Bible warns of the consequences of lying, both in this life and in the life to come. Proverbs 19:5 states, "A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape" . This verse serves as a warning that deceit will ultimately lead to judgment and punishment. The New Testament echoes this sentiment in Revelation 21:8, where liars are listed among those who will face the second death: "But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death" . The Call to Truthfulness Believers are called to a life of truthfulness, reflecting the character of God in their words and actions. Ephesians 4:25 instructs, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body" . This call to honesty is rooted in the unity and mutual edification of the body of Christ, where deceit has no place. In summary, lying is consistently depicted in the Bible as hateful to God, standing in stark contrast to His nature and commands. The Scriptures call believers to reject falsehood and embrace truth, reflecting the character of God in their lives. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 6:16-19These six things does the LORD hate: yes, seven are an abomination to him: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library What God Likes and Dislikes The Flesh and the Spirit Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487. Believe Just Now Letter Liv. --To Serapion, Concerning the Death of Arius. About the Young Man who Killed the Maiden. Psalm LXII. On Contrition "Because the Carnal Mind is Enmity against God, for it is not ... Book one in God's Searching Presence, Augustine Undertakes to ... Resources What does the Bible say about lying? Is lying a sin? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God use a lying spirit to deceive Ahab? | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from the man of God and the lying prophet? | GotQuestions.org Lying: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Lying: A Characteristic of the Apostasy Lying: False Prophets Addicted To Lying: False Witnesses Addicted To Lying: Folly of Concealing Hatred By Lying: Leads to Love of Impure Conversation Lying: Often Accompanied by Gross Crimes Lying: Saints: Pray to be Preserved From Lying: Saints: Reject Those Who Practise Lying: Saints: Respect not Those Who Practise Lying: The Devil Excites Men To Lying: The Devil, the Father of Lying: The Evil of Rulers Hearkening To Lying: The Wicked: Addicted To, from Their Infancy Lying: The Wicked: Bring Forth Lying: The Wicked: Give Heed To Lying: The Wicked: Prepare Their Tongues For Lying: They Who are Guilty of, Shall be Cast Into Hell Lying: Vanity of Getting Riches By Related Terms |
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