In the verb form, to “lie” means “to make an untrue statement with intent to deceive; to create a false or misleading impression.” A lie can be “spoken” or “written.” But, in the grand scheme of things, if I tell one little lie, or mislead someone to believe an untruth, or am dishonest in my financial dealings, is that really all that big of a deal?
One reality we must face is that our senses have been dulled by our culture today. We are, after all, living in what some call the “Post-Truth World.” Truth is not that big of a deal. (Look at the politicians.) Pure honesty is not demanded. (Look at advertisements.) We almost expect, these days, to be lied to on some level by almost everyone. So, if we fall in line and follow suit, where’s the harm in that?
The Bible commands us to abstain from lying. The Old Testament was clear, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Ex. 20:16). The New Testament is just as clear, “Do not lie to one another” (Col. 3:9).
The Bible discloses to us God’s view of lying. “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord” (Prov. 12:22). “The Lord hates…A lying tongue…A false witness who speaks lies” (Prov. 6:16-19).
The Bible gives a vivid warning against lying. The story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 is well known, as the couple “agreed together” to “lie to God” about the profit from their land sale. The fact that each of them was struck dead for lying was (and still is) a powerful lesson for those early Christians to learn.
The Bible reveals that lying is a heart issue. It is not just a matter of the words that come from our mouth (or from our pen). Jesus said, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts…false witness…” (Matt. 15:19). A man must look within his heart to change his outward habit of lying.
The Bible ties our lying to the ultimate liar. The very first lie told in the Bible was by the devil himself (Gen. 3:4). That lie changed the course of human history forever! Of the devil, Jesus said, “When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44). Liars, therefore, are children of their father, the devil.
The Bible parallels lying with “the worst” of sins and shows forth its final end. In Revelation 21:8, “all liars” are listed right alongside other sinners like “murderers” and “idolaters,” all of whom (liars included) will be condemned to “the lake which burns with fire and brimstone.”
The Bible commands us to tell the truth (Eph. 4:25). May God help us to be people of truth…all the time!