10 Bible Verses to Help with Lying

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Life is difficult right now. Our world has been turned upside down. In turbulent times we need help. A little direction is desired when you don’t know what to do. Guidance can come in many forms: a friend, a mentor, a book, a podcast, or some other informational resource, especially the best source, the Bible. Many of my latest posts have focused on the topic of dishonesty. When you want to stop this type of behavior, a little insight from the Word helps when you feel lost and out of control.

I don’t confess to knowing everything, but as a Christian, I do profess to know that God knows everything! So, what better place to go for counsel? God left us his Word to help us in all areas of life. If you don’t do anything else, get in your Bible and act on what you read as you listen to the Holy Spirit’s voice. If you will listen, He still speaks today. God wants to help you live a pure and victorious life. So, let’s look at what the Bible says about lying. Let’s learn together how you can use the following 10 verses to help you stop being dishonest.

10 Bible Verses to Help with Lying

I don’t like my negative behavior, and I assume you don’t like yours, especially dishonesty. Shame and frustration can easily consume us when we “did it again.” Most people don’t want to hurt others. Hurtful behavior destroys our marriages and relationships. I have talked before about how lying can hurt your marriage, and now I desire to give you guidance to stop dishonesty, from the one who knows best, God. Let’s take a look at 10 verses that can help you with increasing honesty and stopping lies.

Proverbs 18:21

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (NASB 1995)

Read this verse a few times. Close your eyes and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you about what this verse means and how it applies to you. This verse is one I have used many times. It is powerful. Taken literally, it provides a message that can make you think about what you are saying, as well as the rest of the verses we will look at.

Death and life?

Remember when you speak this verse that what you say can kill or bring life. We all know this to be true. What have you said lately that hurt someone? Or, what has been said to you that hurt? Doesn’t your heart start to sink? Don’t you die a little inside if you let that word get to you? Our words can hurt others and even bring death to their souls and spirits. There is even research that shows how criticism and negativity in marriages can cause a decline in your immune system’s capability to help you stay well.

We also know that words bring joy, life, peace, and comfort. I walked by a woman in the store today who looked me in the eyes, smiled, and said, “Hello, how is your day?” Just those words from a stranger made me feel seen and acknowledged. I didn’t feel alone at all at that moment. I saw that their is hope in the world that people can be kind and good. Our words matter. They can bring life.

Are in?

Simply, death and life “are in” the words we speak. Inside every utterance is the ability to bring death or life. Are you seeing how significant our words are? See how they can impact others. INSIDE our words is life or death. They carry the message we are intending in that moment. Have you ever spoken a word and that word became what we call a “self-fulfilling prophecy?” Something was in those words. They influenced things around you to bring that about.

The power?

What is power? It is strength, something that can move something else, usually big. It is control or influence. Jesus said, “The faith of a mustard seed can move mountains.” (Matthew 17:20 – paraphrased) Now, that is power!

Our tongue has power, more than we like to acknowledge. We don’t like to believe that we caused others to feel bad just by a word. We certainly didn’t intend to hurt someone, but the words we speak have the power of life and death, whether we like it or not.

Our words have power that is subtle, but greater than we can imagine. Think about light. In the darkness, it penetrates every inch of darkness it can get to. That’s power. Our words do the same. We cannot see how far-reaching our words may go, but we can start to be cautious with them and know the power they have.

Of the tongue?

The tongue usually refers to our words and speech. The tongue helps us make different sounds and utterances with our mouths. The tongue helps up speak more clearly. So as you make grunts, clear words, noises, sing, hum, or any other action with your tongue (ie, sticking your tongue out, whispering, or mouthing things so as not to be heard), you are emitting a power that holds life and death. So, “Make a joyful noise…” (Psalm 100:1 NIV) and “speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19 NIV).

Proverbs 6:16-19

“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush to evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” (NIV)

To Be Hated By God

This verse is very strong and brings a warning to us. I use it because it directly references a lying tongue,  being a false witness, and devising wicked schemes. All of the actions listed in this verse expressed something that God hates: unfortunately, they will probably use the tongue at some point throughout the action.

I can imagine that if God hates these things when he sees them, it makes his blood boil, as we might say. I don’t think God hates us, but he does hate the actions we take. Why? Well, for one, lying or any other negative behavior brings death and pain to others. If God loves us as people, he certainly does not want us to be in pain or hurt (I understand some people don’t believe in God because they can’t understand why God would allow so much pain and hurt, but that discussion is for another day and there are some great books on that subject – CS Lewis: The Problem of Pain – Find it HERE on Amazon).

Yet, we cause hurt and pain as people with our free-will choices. Thus, God hurts for those who are in pain and hates the actions that were taken. He luckily sent Jesus who died and wiped our sin away when he arose from the dead. However, that doesn’t stop dishonesty from being a major problem and bringing anger from God that brings judgment if there is no repentance. Please know that God loves you, but ultimately He wants you to choose Him, follow Jesus, repent of your sins, and receive Jesus as your savior.

2 Corinthians 10:5

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (NIV)

Don’t let your thoughts cause dishonesty

Your thoughts can be the cause of your dishonesty that destroys, hurts, and opens up God’s anger toward your actions. Your thoughts have power too. You can believe them or not. You can ruminate on them or stop them. Sometimes it is hard to get rid of unwanted thoughts, especially when you have a history of trauma, but it’s possible. God says everything is possible with Him.

Stop negative thinking! Stop evil thoughts! Make them obedient to God. That means: Knowing God’s Word and matching your thoughts up with what he says. Anything that does not match with His Word is probably a lie from the devil or just an illogical, emotion-driven desire that you have that does not line up with goodness. Recite this verse. Practice taking every thought captive and seeing if each thought lines up with God’s Word. You will experience a stop to lying quickly.

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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.” (ESV)

A command to renew yourself

Colossians tells us to not lie to each other. However, it also tells us something we can do to change. That is, to put on the new self. What does that mean? Putting on the new self, or renewing the mind, is seen in a few places in the New Testament (ie, Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 4:22-24, Philippians 4:8, Colossians 3:2-3).

By using this verse to remind you to renew your mind and build knowledge of the creator, dishonesty can be put behind you. It’s telling you what to focus on, along with the other Scriptures above. Focus on what is excellent, good, godliness, and love. God to the Scriptures when you are considering lying. You now have a plan of action. First, repeat the verse; then take action by following the verse’s direction.

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.” (ESV)

You will be found out!

It’s kind of creepy to read a verse like this. The spiritual realm is very real. The Bible speaks of sowing and reaping. It’s like, once you put it out there, you can’t take it back, and who knows where it will end up. Luke says that “nothing is hidden” that will not “come to light.” Somebody, somewhere knows you are being dishonest. I, for one, believe it’s because we do live in a physical world with a spiritual world all around us that interacts with this world. You can’t see sound, but it’s there.

Using this verse, you can remind yourself that you can’t hide and there will be consequences to your choice. Everything will be made known and no matter how much you believe that you are exempt, or that you got away with something before, it will always come back in some form. How many times have you been reminded of something you did even years later? You’re heart leaps up into your throat and the shame comes flying back into your face.

Remember, your partner knows. I have had many times I asked a spouse if they felt something was off. They almost always say yes!

Luke 16:10

“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.” (NLT)

Do the small things well!

This verse is so helpful. We all know it’s true. If you do the little things and do them well, then it will be easier to do the big things. Who hasn’t heard that fundamentals matter? This is just letting us know that fundamental choices and actions add up to showing that you can do bigger things.

Did you ever play sports? Or, high school? Or, better yet, take a math class? That’s pretty much a rhetorical question. In sports and math, the small things matter! If you can’t do the fundamentals (ie, catching a tossed ball or doing addition), then how can you ever be expected to do the hard things (ie, catching a touchdown pass from your start quarterback or solving an algebra problem)?

Don’t get me wrong, lying or being honest are not sports or math, but the fundamentals still apply. If you can’t be honest, which is a very small behavior, how can you be trusted in bigger things? Every time a couple comes to my office due to lying, the hurt spouse almost always says they are having trouble trusting their partner in other things. They say, “I don’t know if I can count on them.” Be faithful in the small things (ie, honesty in every situation), and you can be trusted when it matters to you! Remember this verse when you start considering the opportunity to lie and you will be more likely to choose correctly.

James 5:12

“But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.” (ESV)

Be consistent and committed!

You may think I am crossing the line here, but lying to your spouse can be considered betrayal. It speaks to your lack of commitment. It shows you are not willing to stand up for loving your wife. You are inconsistent and uncommitted.

When you got married you were supposed to announce your undying love and COMMITMENT  to your spouse. Commitment means loyalty. Are you loyal to someone when you lie to them? Or are you deciding that they are not important enough to you that you would jeopardize your relationship with dishonesty? Unfortunately, most people have already jumped the commitment ship before they are even dishonest. That’s why they are being dishonest in the first place.

Choose to remember your commitment and let your “yes” be “yes” and your “no” be “no.” It’s time to stand and decide you will be honest to a fault. Couples are more secure and faithful when they KNOW each other intimately. A lie discards that possibility. Remind yourself of your commitment to be honest when you have the urge to lie.

1 Peter 3:10

“For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.” (NLT)

Don’t sacrifice your joy and happiness!

If only we would remember that the Scripture tells us that our joy and happiness rest with what we say. If we take this literally, and probably should, then we cause our unhappiness. We sap our joy. Ouch!! So, I am the cause of my frustrations? Probably!

God is so good that he warned us almost 2000 years ago. He let us know how to have a joyful life. We just don’t want to believe it. STOP LYING AND SPEAKING EVIL! Wow, I needed that yelled at me! If you read this verse right, it is not saying all your days will be happy. It says “many happy days.” But it still sends an amazing message.

What are we going to do to stop lying? Believe in the messages that God has already given us. It’s clear! Memorize this verse. Speak it over yourself. Believe God! He should know. He is the creator of life. If we just stop speaking lies and evil, things will get so good for us!

Psalm 101:7

“No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes.” (ESV)

God will know and will judge!

I wanted to throw this one in because we must decide what we want in our lives. Do we want to dwell with God and continue before him, or do we want him to turn his face from us? The Bible makes plenty of references to God turning his face from the Israelites, giving them over to their passions, or taking away his presence at times of disobedience.

If nice little thoughts about what we could earn don’t change us, then maybe we need to remember how easy we have it. God is holding all things together and blessing up with life and breath constantly. He could take it away at any second. You and I have very little control. What matters is your choice to be “for God, or against Him.” “Choose ye this day, who you will serve…” (Joshua 24:15 Paraphrased).

It’s time that you recall where you stand with God. Decide what you want. Repent, change, and commit. Or hold up your pride and stand against God, rejecting his blessings and his love, for your selfish ways. Remember this verse. I am in no way condemning anyone. I am just telling you, me, and all others that WE HAVE A CHOICE. Choose today!

Psalm 120:2

“Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.” (ESV)

Cry out to Jesus!

It’s so simple, yet profound! Turn to the one who knows you best. Ask him to deliver you from dishonesty. It may not be instantaneous, but he knows your heart. The minute you give him the control and stop trying to control everything for yourself, He will help! You will notice the difference in your heart, attitude, and beliefs. You will hurt for those you hurt and want to rectify the wrong.

Remember the Grinch? His heart grew 3 times that day that he understood what love and relationship truly was. This understanding made him want to make it right, and he did. He found what he had been longing for the whole time. He stopped being angry and resentful. When he did that and started being honest and kind, he received love, kindness, grace, and connection.

This is true for even the boldest of liars. You can have what you want most, to be loved and accepted and cherished. Maybe not right away by the human you want to be accepted by, but definitely by a loving God who is going to make it right for you as you honor and cherish his ways. Remember this verse when you are tempted to lie. God to Jesus first! He will help you and deliver you in any situation. He will not put you through more than you can handle.

Conclusion

Dishonesty hurts others. Having some guidance and tools to help us change this behavior is so important. God will always be the go to in anything we are struggling with. Sometimes he shows up in different ways: your pastor, your friend, this blog post, and many other ways. But first you have to seek him. He will let you find him! Use these verses and many others to help you build the will to be honest, stay connected to your spouse, and stay in the favor of God and others. You want this! You just have to choose it for yourself!

The following are some other verses (there are many more) that you may want to memorize and read regularly along with those above to help you destroy dishonesty and increase trust, honesty, and connectedness.

1 John 1:9, ESV If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 Corinthians 1:9, NIV God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

John 8:32, ESV And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

1 John 2:4-6, ESV Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected.

Romans 6:6, NLT We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.

Ephesians 4:29, KJV Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Psalm 51:6, NASB Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.

Luke 8:17, NLT For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.

Ephesians 4:25, NLT So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.

Exodus 23:1, NLT You must not pass along false rumors. You must not cooperate with evil people by lying on the witness stand.

Psalm 23:3-4, ESV Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place? 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.

Zechariah 8:16, NIV These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts

Matthew 5:37, ESV Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.

Psalm 119:163, NKJV I hate and abhor lying, But I love Your law.

John 8:44, NIV ….the devil… was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Proverbs 12:19, NLT Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.

If you have any further questions or need help, please check out some of my other BLOG POSTS.

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Brandon Coussens, LMFT

Brandon Coussens, LMFT

Author:

Brandon Coussens is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of Legacy Marriage Resources, LLC. To find out more about him you can go HERE.

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