Lies and deception have been a part of the human story since the Garden of Eden. The Bible warns us repeatedly about the dangers of dishonesty and the damage it can cause—to our relationships, our reputation, and our spiritual life.
God calls His people to walk in truth, for He Himself is truth, and falsehood has no place in His kingdom.
Whether you’ve been hurt by deceit, are battling the temptation to lie, or simply want to live a life that reflects God’s truth, Scripture provides clear guidance and hope.
In this post, we’ll explore 35 powerful Bible verses about lies and deception, each with a short explanation to help you understand its meaning and apply it to your life.
35 Bible Verses About Lies And Deception
1. Proverbs 12:22
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.
Explanation: God values honesty and condemns falsehood because truth reflects His nature.
2. Colossians 3:9
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.
Explanation: As followers of Christ, we are called to live truthfully, leaving behind deceit.
3. John 8:44
You belong to your father, the devil… there is no truth in him.
Explanation: Lies originate from Satan, the father of lies, and align us with his ways.
4. Proverbs 19:9
A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.
Explanation: Dishonesty leads to judgment and destruction.
5. Ephesians 4:25
Each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor.
Explanation: Truth is foundational for healthy and godly relationships.
6. Psalm 101:7
No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house.
Explanation: Deceit separates us from God’s presence and blessing.
7. Revelation 21:8
All liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur.
Explanation: Persistent lying is a serious sin with eternal consequences.
8. Zechariah 8:16
Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment.
Explanation: Truth promotes justice and unity among God’s people.
9. Proverbs 6:16-17
The Lord hates… a lying tongue.
Explanation: God’s hatred of lying shows how seriously He takes truth.
10. 1 Peter 3:10
Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.
Explanation: Honesty leads to peace and God’s favor in life.
11. Leviticus 19:11
Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another.
Explanation: Truthfulness is part of God’s moral law for His people.
12. Psalm 34:13
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.
Explanation: Restraining from lies is key to living a righteous life.
13. Proverbs 14:5
An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.
Explanation: Integrity is a mark of a faithful person.
14. Exodus 20:16
You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
Explanation: God commands truthfulness, especially in matters of justice.
15. James 3:14
If you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition… do not boast about it or deny the truth.
Explanation: Deception often stems from pride and selfish motives.
16. Proverbs 10:9
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
Explanation: Honesty brings security; lies eventually come to light.
17. Psalm 55:23
You, God, will bring down the wicked… those who are bloodthirsty and deceitful will not live out half their days.
Explanation: Deception shortens life and brings God’s judgment.
18. Jeremiah 9:5
Friend deceives friend, and no one speaks the truth.
Explanation: A culture of deceit destroys trust and relationships.
19. Proverbs 21:6
A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.
Explanation: Gains from deceit are temporary and harmful.
20. Titus 1:2
God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time.
Explanation: God is perfectly truthful; we are called to reflect His nature.
21. Isaiah 32:7
Scoundrels use wicked methods, they make up evil schemes to destroy the poor with lies.
Explanation: Deception is often used to exploit others for personal gain.
22. 1 John 1:6
If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie.
Explanation: Our actions must match our claims if we truly follow Christ.
23. Job 27:4
My lips will not say anything wicked, and my tongue will not utter lies.
Explanation: A commitment to truth is part of personal integrity.
24. Proverbs 26:28
A lying tongue hates those it hurts.
Explanation: Lies are an act of harm toward others.
25. Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.
Explanation: Deception starts in the human heart and requires God’s transformation.
26. Romans 1:25
They exchanged the truth about God for a lie.
Explanation: Rejecting God’s truth leads to destructive falsehoods.
27. Psalm 5:6
You destroy those who tell lies.
Explanation: God actively opposes the deceitful.
28. Proverbs 24:28
Do not testify against your neighbor without cause—would you use your lips to mislead?
Explanation: God calls for honesty, especially in legal matters.
29. Matthew 15:19
Out of the heart come… false testimony.
Explanation: Lies reveal the sinful condition of the heart.
30. 1 John 2:21
No lie comes from the truth.
Explanation: Lies and truth cannot coexist.
31. Psalm 120:2
Save me, Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues.
Explanation: We can pray for God’s protection from the harm of lies.
32. Hosea 10:13
You have eaten the fruit of deception.
Explanation: Living in lies produces harmful consequences.
33. Ephesians 5:6
Let no one deceive you with empty words.
Explanation: We must guard ourselves against deceptive influences.
34. Micah 6:12
Your rich people are violent; your inhabitants are liars.
Explanation: A society built on lies faces God’s judgment.
35. Psalm 43:3
Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me.
Explanation: God’s truth guides us away from lies and into righteousness.
Final Thoughts on Lies and Deception
These 35 Bible verses about lies and deception show us that dishonesty is more than just a “small sin.” It’s a serious offense that harms others, damages our witness, and distances us from God. Choosing truth—even when it’s difficult—reflects God’s character and builds trust in our relationships.
Which of these verses spoke to you the most today? Share your thoughts or your own favorite Scriptures about lies and deception in the comments so we can encourage one another to walk in truth.