The ninth commandment says, “You shall not BEAR FALSE WITNESS against your NEIGHBOR.” (Exo. 20:16) This commandment includes ALL FORMS OF LYING. “Lying lips are an ABOMINATION (tôʿēḇâ: a disgusting thing) to the LORD…” (Pro. 12:22)
- WHY DOES GOD HATE LYING? Dishonesty is in opposition to the character and identity of God because it DISTORTS and TWISTS THE TRUTH, damaging relationships and creating uncertainty. Jesus is “…the way, the TRUTH, and the life.” (John 14:6) “…let God be true but every man a liar.” (Rom. 3:4) All truth exists to display more of God and awaken us to more love for God.
- WHO IS OUR NEIGHBOR? Jesus expanded on “who is my neighbor?” in the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. He showed we are to be good neighbors TO EVERYONE. Obviously the good neighbor Jesus Christ wants us to be will NOT LIE ABOUT ANYONE.
- IS LYING A SIN? “These six things THE LORD HATES, yes, seven are an abomination to Him…A LYING TONGUE…a false witness who SPEAKS LIES” (Pro. 6:16, 19). “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and ALL LIARS shall have their part in the LAKE WHICH BURNS WITH FIRE…” (Rev. 21:8)
- GOD DOES NOT LIE! Is there anything that is impossible for God? Yes! Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not a man, that He should lie.” The Bible even says “it is impossible for God to lie” (Heb. 6:18) and that He “cannot lie” (Titus. 1:2) He just cannot do it.
- THE FATHER OF ALL LIES. Jesus identifies Satan the devil as “the father all lies”. He says to the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, “…you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is NO TRUTH IN HIM. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for HE IS A LIAR AND THE FATHER OF LIES. (John 8:44)