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Scripture Topic Guide

Bible Verses About Lying And False Witness

Early Christians strongly taught that lying, false witness, perjury, and deceit were sins to avoid. Hermas, Theophilus of Antioch, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, Origen, Lactantius, Cyprian, and the Didache all repeat this in direct moral teaching, and many also tie it to the Ten Commandments and the command to speak truth with a neighbor. The same theme appears in both first- and third-century writings, so the witness is broad across time and authors.

Some texts go beyond courtroom lies and say a Christian should avoid false speech in daily talk, flattery, rumors, and empty deceit. A few cards are only Bible quotations or about false prophets and false witnesses against Jesus, so those support the topic but do not add a separate teaching about lying itself.

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Open Exodus 20:16

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Early Christian Beliefs About Lying And False Witness

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1 Exodus 20:16 2 Deuteronomy 5:20 3 Exodus 23:1 4 Proverbs 19:9 5 Proverbs 14:5 6 Proverbs 19:5 7 Proverbs 6:19 8 Proverbs 25:18 9 Leviticus 19:11 10 Proverbs 24:28

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16 references

Supporting Passages

Exodus 20:16 primary

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Deuteronomy 5:20

Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Exodus 23:1

Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Proverbs 19:9

A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Proverbs 14:5

A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Proverbs 19:5

A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Proverbs 6:19

A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Proverbs 25:18

A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Leviticus 19:11

Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Proverbs 24:28

Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Ephesians 4:25

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Proverbs 12:17

He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Proverbs 14:25

A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Jeremiah 9:5

And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Psalms 144:8

Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Proverbs 12:22

Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.