Topical Encyclopedia Lying, as a moral and spiritual issue, is addressed extensively in the Bible, where it is consistently portrayed as a sin and a characteristic of the wicked. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that highlight the nature of lying and its association with those who reject God's truth.Biblical References: 1. Psalm 52:3-4 : "You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah. You love every word that devours, O deceitful tongue." This passage illustrates the inclination of the wicked to prefer falsehood over truth, emphasizing their delight in deceitful speech. 2. Proverbs 6:16-19 : "There are six things that 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 run swiftly to evil, a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers." Here, lying is listed among the abominations to the Lord, underscoring its severity and the delight the wicked take in such behavior. 3. Proverbs 12:22 : "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." This verse contrasts the wicked, who find pleasure in lying, with the righteous, who are favored by God for their truthfulness. 4. Jeremiah 9:3-5 : "They bend their tongues like their bows; lies instead of truth prevail in the land, for they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account," declares the LORD. "Let everyone beware of his neighbor; do not trust any brother. For every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. Each one deceives his neighbor; no one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they weary themselves with iniquity." This passage describes a society where lying is rampant, and the wicked are portrayed as those who have trained themselves in deceit, finding satisfaction in their iniquity. 5. Micah 6:12 : "For the rich men of the city are full of violence, her residents speak lies, and their tongues are deceitful in their mouths." The prophet Micah condemns the people for their pervasive dishonesty, highlighting the delight the wicked take in lying as part of their corrupt practices. Theological Insights: Lying is fundamentally opposed to the nature of God, who is the embodiment of truth (John 14:6). The wicked, in their rebellion against God, find pleasure in lying as it aligns with their sinful nature and opposition to divine truth. This delight in deceit is not merely a personal failing but a reflection of a deeper spiritual corruption that distances them from God. The Bible warns that those who delight in lying will face divine judgment. Revelation 21:8 states, "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." This serves as a sobering reminder of the eternal consequences for those who persist in deceit. In contrast, the righteous are called to speak truthfully, reflecting the character of God and living in accordance with His will. Ephesians 4:25 exhorts believers, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another." This call to truthfulness is a mark of the transformed life in Christ, distinguishing the righteous from the wicked who delight in lies. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 62:4They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library What God Likes and Dislikes Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... Evidences of Regeneration. The Trouble and Rest of Good Men "There the Wicked Cease from ... Add to This, and Here is Cause to Cry Out More Piteously... The Wicked Man's Life, Funeral, and Epitaph Blessed Prosperity Meditations on the First Psalm. Letter xi. --For 339. Coss. Constantius Augustus ii, Constans I ... Conclusion Ninth Commandment Resources Should the Hebrew midwives be commended for lying? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God kill Ananias and Sapphira for lying? | GotQuestions.org Is it ever right to lie? | 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 |