Biblical Answer

The Problem with Lying: Dishonoring God

Lying is a serious problem because it dishonors God and diminishes his glory. When we lie, we deny the character of God who is truth (Heb 6:18) and whose word embodies truth (Jn 17:17). Jesus said, I am ... the truth (Jn 14:6)there is nothing false in him. As those created in God's image and created for the purpose of reflecting his glory, our actions, including our words, should reflect his character. Lying is a form of disobedience to God's command to act faithfully (Prov. 12:22; cf. Isa. 59:3-4).

The Source of Deception

The source of deception is not God, but Satan, who delights in falsehood (John 8:44). Satan is the father of lies and speaks according to his own nature when he lies. This is why the Bible says that it is impossible for God to lie (Heb. 6:18, authors translation). God's character is defined by truth, and he cannot be tempted with evil (James 1:13). On the other hand, Satan is a liar and the father of lies, and his nature is defined by falsehood. This is why God hates lying so much - it is a reflection of Satan's nature and a denial of God's character.

The Consequences of Lying

The consequences of lying are severe. Lying is a form of rebellion against God's command to act faithfully (Prov. 12:22; cf. Isa. 59:3-4). When we lie, we deceive not only others, but also ourselves. We create a web of deceit that can be difficult to escape. The Bible warns that those who refuse to love the truth will be given over to a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie (2 Thess. 2:10-12). This is a grave consequence, as it leads to eternal condemnation (2 Thess. 2:12). Therefore, we must take lying seriously and strive to live truthfully, reflecting God's character and glorifying him in all we do.