No matter how good we try to be, we all have trouble with being honest. From the seemingly harmless lie of telling someone that we're on our way when we're still deciding what we should wear, to the more obviously destructive lies which are told to conceal other sinful behaviour, lies are almost inescapable. If we're not telling them, we're likely to be on the receiving end of them from time to time.
In some cases, lying can seem necessary. What if the truth ignites an argument, hurts someone we care about or forces us to confront one of our biggest fears? But as Christians, we shouldn't look to lying as a means for good. God makes it very clear that He hates lying and loves us to tell the truth, even if doing so means we have to deal with uncomfortable consequences.
If you're feeling conflicted about whether or not you should lie to someone, or you're playing down the lies that you tell on a regular basis, these nine Bible verses highlight why lying is a habit that we should all drop.
Proverbs 6:16-19 - There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
Proverbs 12:22 - Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
Psalm 101:7 - No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes.
Colossians 3:9-10 - Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
Luke 8:17 - For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.
John 8:44 - You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Titus 1:2 - In hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began.
Leviticus 19:11-12 - "You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another. You shall not swear by my name falsely, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord."
Psalm 24:4-5 - He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
