Lying is trivialized in society, but scripture reminds us that there are profound implications. Proverbs 26:38 tells us, “A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”
Lying may be considered a harmless act or a necessary evil. Yet, the Bible consistently teaches that lying lips have spiritual consequences. It affects our relationship with God, others, and us.
Here are a few ways it is going against God:
- Lying is a sin against God
The ninth commandment says, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” It is written in Exodus 20:16, and Deuteronomy 5:20.
Lying is contrary to the nature of God, who is truth, and is associated with Satan, who is called the “father of lies.
2. Lying is an abomination
Proverbs 12:12 says, “The wicked covet the catch of evil men, but the root of the righteous yields fruit.”
The wicked crave dishonest gains, while the righteous, are rooted in integrity. The wicked envy the illicit, “stolen” gains of other evil people and desire to catch prey just as they do. They are never truly satisfied and often rely on traps or schemes to get what they want.
Lying or wickedness stems from an internal emptiness, chasing external temporary things.
I learned from a very early age that if I wanted people to think I had a “normal” childhood, I would have to cover up, my pain and suffering, the emptiness I felt inside, I used to justify it by thinking no one would believe me anyway. The issue wasn’t lying to hide my past, it was because it caused me to believe I could lie for my gain too. It turned into a vicious cycle of lying, and then trying to remember each one, lying leads to more sin. It was a disaster that just led to depression and more hurt.
3. Lying destroys trust
Truth is the foundation of healthy relationships. Lies breed suspicion and division making any hope of reconciliation difficult.
4. Lying injures others
Lying can ruin reputations and cause emotional and sometimes financial harm. Proverbs 25:18 tells us, “A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.“
5. The personal consequences of lying
Proverbs 19:9 tells us, A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.”
Thankfully Jesus gave us a way to escape the consequences of lying when He died on the cross.
We can ask for forgiveness (repent) and commit to truthfulness, even when it’s difficult.
Lying may seem like a small sin, but its consequences are severe, both spiritually and relationally. As followers of Jesus, we are called to walk in truth.
“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” -Colossians 3:9-10
God’s grace is sufficient for us, and His truth can set us free. Living as children of light, and glorifying God with our words and actions will lead us down the right path.
From Pity to Praise 