Topical Bible: Character of the Wicked: Lying

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Lying is a fundamental characteristic of the wicked as depicted in the Bible. It is consistently portrayed as an abomination to God and a hallmark of those who reject His truth. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into the nature and consequences of lying, emphasizing its destructive power and its opposition to the character of God, who is the embodiment of truth.

Biblical Condemnation of Lying

The Bible unequivocally condemns lying as a sin. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists lying among the seven things that are detestable to the Lord: "There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community" . This passage highlights the severity with which God views lying, placing it alongside other grievous sins.

Lying as a Trait of the Wicked

The wicked are often characterized by their propensity to lie. Psalm 58:3 describes the wicked as being estranged from birth, speaking lies from the womb: "The wicked are estranged from the womb; the liars go astray from birth" . This verse suggests that lying is an inherent trait of those who are opposed to God, indicating a deep-seated rebellion against His truth.

Consequences of Lying

The Bible warns of the dire consequences that await those who engage in lying. Revelation 21:8 provides a sobering reminder of the eternal fate of liars: "But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death" . This passage underscores the seriousness of lying and its ultimate consequence—eternal separation from God.

Lying and Deception

Lying is often associated with deception, a tool frequently used by the wicked to achieve their ends. In John 8:44, Jesus identifies the devil as the father of lies, highlighting the connection between lying and satanic influence: "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies" . This association with the devil further illustrates the spiritual danger of lying.

Contrast with the Righteous

In contrast to the wicked, the righteous are called to speak truthfully and uphold integrity. Ephesians 4:25 exhorts believers to put away falsehood and speak truthfully to one another: "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another" . This call to truthfulness reflects the character of God and the transformative power of His Spirit in the lives of believers.

Conclusion

The Bible's portrayal of lying as a characteristic of the wicked serves as a stark warning to all who would engage in deceit. It is a sin that not only separates individuals from God but also aligns them with the adversary. The call to truthfulness is a call to align oneself with the nature of God, who is truth, and to reject the ways of the wicked.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 58:3
The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.
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Psalm 62:4
They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
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Isaiah 59:4
None calls for justice, nor any pleads for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.
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Library

Appendix.
... to have been the original god, was ignorant that this (son of his) was lying concealed
in Crete ... To this human being, of such a character, to so wicked a king ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/ad nationes/appendix.htm

The Wicked Heart Set to do Evil.
... this way they are assumed to have a common character. ... wicked to drink, but he drinks
notwithstanding it is wicked. ... to get some good to himself by lying; yet he ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/viii the wicked heart set.htm

The Wicked Husbandmen.
... of the Lord unrevealed, and a terror to wicked men unspoken. ... day the king saw that
gory head again lying on the ... to mark here a change in the character of Jesus ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xi the wicked husbandmen.htm

Evidences of Regeneration.
... liars do not, and cannot, love lying for its own ... agree in reprobating, disapproving,
and abhorring wicked men and ... or can approve, of his character; sinners can ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxix evidences of regeneration.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
... scar; 'tis only the soft air he breaketh with his tongue, 'tis only a slight character
that he ... "A righteous man hateth lying," saith the ... "A wicked doer," saith ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part 2.htm

The Character of the Persons for whom this Rest is Designed.
... 6. As an essential part of the character of God's ... Though man be so wicked that he
will not yield ... His inability being moral, and lying in wilful wickedness, is ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iv the character of.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations,
feet ... Pride, violence, cruelty, lying, is the very character of the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

Introduction
... And then shall that Wicked One be revealed, whom the ... of Satan with all power and
signs and lying wonders, And ... the Man of Sin (v.3), whose character and career ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/introduction.htm

A Preservative against Unsettled Notions, and Want of Principles ...
... Be not of that rebellious people, lying children, children ... a word the same with the
character of those ... nor quite so flagitious [sinful, unlawful, wicked] as to ...
/.../a preservative against unsettled notions.htm

Ninth Commandment
... LYING. ... come down to earth and mix in human affairs, I believe his character would
be ... man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. . . ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/ninth commandment.htm