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What Does the Bible Say About Deception?

Scripture reveals that deception is fundamentally at odds with God's nature and with the character He calls us to develop.

Scripture on Deception

Proverbs 12:22 Old Testament
"The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy."
John 8:44 New Testament
"You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He 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."
Ephesians 4:25 New Testament
"Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body."
Leviticus 19:11 Old Testament
"Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another."
Colossians 3:9 New Testament
"Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices."
The Bottom Line
Lying doesn't just hurt others—it aligns you with the enemy and separates you from the truthfulness that marks God's people.
Try Today

Identify one area where you're tempted to shade the truth today—with a boss, friend, or family member—and choose to speak what's actually true, even if it costs you something.

Prayer

Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free' (John 8:31-32).

Father, I confess that I'm drawn to deception—to hide things, exaggerate, or tell comfortable lies. I know this comes from fear and selfishness, not from you. You are truth itself, and you hate falsehood not because you're strict, but because lies destroy trust and separate us from you. Give me courage to speak honestly, even when it's hard or costly. Help me see that the temporary comfort of a lie always costs more than the temporary pain of truth. Make me someone others can trust completely, reflecting your character. In Jesus' name, Amen.

📚 Read Psalm 15 for a portrait of the person God welcomes into His presence—notice how truth-telling is central to it.

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