The Truth About Lying

We’ve all heard the familiar saying, “Honesty is the best policy.” But did you know that is scriptural as well? The Bible actually has a lot to say about honesty.

It has almost become acceptable these days "to bend the truth" a little. I'm sure we've all told "little white lies," thinking what harm will it do? The truth is, God hates lying. Even little white lies to protect someone's feelings can compromise our faith.

God called us to be honest. He made honesty one of the commandments. Exodus 20:16 says, "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor."

God wants us to be honest in our actions as well as our words. Proverbs 11:1 says, "The Lord hates cheating and delights in honesty." The Bible tells us in Proverbs 12:13-14, "Lies will get any man into trouble, but honesty is its own defense. Telling the truth gives a man great satisfaction, and hard work returns many blessings to him."

It is easy to lie. That's why we should pray for God to put wisdom and truth in our heart. Honesty shows character. It reveals our true identity and nature. Being honest is pleasing to God because He is truth. Honesty is a direct reflection of our heart or inner soul.

Truthfulness is to be a lifestyle. Remember, there's no such thing as “half-truth.” It’s a whole lie. Proverbs 10:10 says, “Someone who holds back the truth causes trouble.”

Revelation 21:8 lists liars with the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts and idolaters and says, "their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur." That should be a stern warning to all liars.

Honesty is not always easy, but God will bless you if you are honest. Ask Him to put truth in your heart and He will! Honesty is more than a best policy. It's God's policy.  And that ain't no lie!