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 insights into the nature of lying and its association with those who are unrighteous.

Biblical Definition and Context

Lying is defined as the act of making a false statement with the intention to deceive. It is a direct violation of the Ninth Commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16). Throughout the Bible, lying is condemned as an abomination to the Lord, and it is often linked with other forms of wickedness.

The Wicked's Affinity for Lying

The Bible frequently associates lying with the wicked, illustrating that those who are unrighteous have a propensity to love and engage in deceit. In Psalm 52:3, the psalmist describes the wicked's preference for falsehood over truth: "You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth." This verse highlights the moral corruption of those who choose deceit over honesty.

Proverbs 6:16-19 lists lying as one of the seven things that the Lord detests, emphasizing its severity: "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."

Consequences of Lying

The Bible warns of the dire consequences that await those who love and practice lying. Revelation 21:8 provides a sobering reminder of the eternal fate of liars: "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."

Contrast with the Righteous

In contrast to the wicked, the righteous are called to love truth and integrity. Ephesians 4:25 exhorts believers to "put away falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are members of one another." This call to honesty reflects the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, enabling them to reject deceit and embrace truth.

Conclusion

The Bible's portrayal of lying as a characteristic of the wicked serves as a stark warning to all who would choose falsehood over truth. It underscores the importance of integrity and the pursuit of righteousness in the life of a believer.Psalm 52:3
You love evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

But if no Authority for Lying Can be Alleged...
... Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down ... Since then by lying eternal
life is lost, never for any ... If this is absurd and wicked, why should a man ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on lying/section 9 but if no.htm

The Problem of Lying
Handbook on Faith, Hope, and Love. ... out, such as being saved from the onslaught of
wicked men ... Augustine had also written another treatise On Lying much earlier, c ...
/.../augustine/handbook on faith hope and love/chapter vi the problem of.htm

Conclusion
... 2:8-12: "And then shall that Wicked be revealed ... of Satan, with all power and signs
and lying wonders, and ... that perish; because they received not the love of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/conclusion.htm

The Wicked Heart Set to do Evil.
... may become fully set upon the practice of lying whenever it ... their heart upon these
sins out of love to pure ... perhaps be glad if it were not wicked to gratify ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/viii the wicked heart set.htm

The Approbation of Goodness is not the Love of It.
... heart is, as the prophet affirms, desperately wicked, desperately selfish. ... a point
where he can begin a new love, and a ... you will find sin not only lying at the ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the approbation of goodness is.htm

The Trouble and Rest of Good Men "There the Wicked Cease from ...
... That sees the body of sin lying beneath her, and is ... than as they conduce to the
knowledge and love of God ... for Him, thou mayst enter "where the wicked cease from ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 127 the trouble and.htm

Commandment Eighth. We Ought to Shun that which is Evil, and do ...
... of God must restrain himself"theft, lying, robbery, false ... these are really wicked?"
"Exceedingly wicked in the ... then fear of the Lord, love, concord, words of ...
/.../pastor/the pastor books first second third/commandment eighth we ought to.htm

Love Thine Enemy.
... In the faith of this, let us love the enemy now ... defiance of the changeful wiles of
the wicked enchantment which ... foaming, with a terrible cry and a lying as one ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/love thine enemy.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... disabled, through an invincible impediment of sin lying in the ... Burning lips, hot
and great words of love and friendship, and a wicked heart revenging ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

"Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?"
... of some to "rise up against the wicked," and join ... offering all to God, through the
Son of his love. ... may come." Therefore, "putting away all lying, let every ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 52 who will rise.htm

What does the Bible say about lying? Is lying a sin? | GotQuestions.org

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Lying: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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