What does Proverbs 12:22 mean?
What is the meaning of Proverbs 12:22?

Lying lips

• “Lying lips” points to every form of intentional deception—spoken falsehood, half-truths, flattery, broken promises.

• Scripture consistently brands lying as sinful: “There are six things that the LORD hates… a lying tongue” (Proverbs 6:16-17).

• In the New Testament, believers are urged, “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25).

• A tongue that misleads breaks fellowship with both God and neighbor.


are detestable to the LORD

• “Detestable” means abhorrent—something God cannot tolerate. “You destroy those who tell lies; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful” (Psalm 5:6).

• God’s very nature is truth (John 14:6), so lies directly oppose His character.

• Other behaviors called detestable—dishonest scales (Proverbs 11:1) and haughty eyes (Proverbs 6:17)—show that lying ranks among sins God takes personally.

• When we lie, we align with “the father of lies” (John 8:44) rather than the Lord.


but those who deal faithfully

• “Deal faithfully” describes people whose words and actions match, who live with integrity in business, family, and church.

Proverbs 11:3: “The integrity of the upright guides them.”

Psalm 15:2 speaks of the one “who walks with integrity, who speaks truth from the heart,” and is promised unshakable fellowship with God.

• Faithful dealings glorify God before a watching world (1 Peter 2:12).


are His delight

• God not only accepts integrity—He delights in it. “The blameless in their walk are His delight” (Proverbs 11:20).

Micah 6:8 links God’s pleasure to people who “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.”

• In Jesus’ parable, the master exclaims, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21), echoing the divine joy described here.

• Living truthfully invites God’s smile, favor, and reward.


summary

God’s verdict is clear and unchanging: lying repulses Him, while truthful, faithful living thrills Him. Proverbs 12:22 draws a sharp line between deception and integrity, urging every believer to embrace honesty in speech and action, knowing that integrity not only protects relationships but also brings delight to the Lord Himself.

How should Proverbs 12:21 be interpreted in light of historical and archaeological evidence?
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