The concept of lying and the assertion that "all men are liars" is a theme that appears in various parts of the Bible, highlighting the fallen nature of humanity and the universal tendency towards deceit. This entry explores the biblical perspective on lying, its implications, and the scriptural basis for the claim that all men are liars.

Biblical Foundation

The phrase "all men are liars" is directly found in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist declares, "In my alarm I said, 'All men are liars.'" . This statement reflects a moment of distress and disillusionment, capturing the psalmist's realization of human untrustworthiness. It underscores the broader biblical narrative that humanity, in its fallen state, is prone to falsehood.

The Nature of Lying

Lying is consistently condemned throughout Scripture as contrary to the nature of God, who is described as the God of truth (Isaiah 65:16). In contrast, Satan is identified as the "father of lies" (John 8:44), illustrating the spiritual battle between truth and deceit. The Bible warns against lying as a sin that separates individuals from God and leads to spiritual death (Proverbs 19:9, Revelation 21:8).

Human Depravity and the Universality of Lying

The assertion that all men are liars is rooted in the doctrine of original sin, which teaches that all humans inherit a sinful nature from Adam (Romans 5:12). This inherent sinfulness manifests in various forms, including deceit. Romans 3:4 reinforces this idea, stating, "Let God be true, and every man a liar" , emphasizing the contrast between divine truth and human falsehood.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The prevalence of lying among humans serves as a reminder of the need for redemption and transformation through Christ. Believers are called to put off falsehood and speak truthfully to one another (Ephesians 4:25). The transformation of the heart through the Holy Spirit enables Christians to reflect God's truth in their lives, moving away from the deceitful tendencies of the old self.

The Call to Truthfulness

Scripture encourages believers to pursue truthfulness as a reflection of their new identity in Christ. Colossians 3:9-10 exhorts, "Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator" . This call to integrity is a vital aspect of Christian discipleship and witness.

Conclusion

While the Bible acknowledges the universal tendency of humans to lie, it also offers hope for transformation through faith in Jesus Christ. By embracing the truth of the Gospel and allowing the Holy Spirit to work within, believers can overcome the deceitful nature of the flesh and live in accordance with God's truth.Psalm 116:11
I said in my haste, All men are liars.
Nave's Topical Index

But Sometimes a Peril to Eternal Salvation Itself is Put Forth ...
... For indeed sometimes the name of lie is put for the name of sin: whence is that
saying, "All men are liars." [2469] For it is so said, as if it were said, "All ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/against lying/section 40 but sometimes a.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xviii. 7, Where we are ...
... 6. "How then are all men liars? What! Thou art not a man, I suppose?" Answer
quickly and truly. "And O that I may not be a man, that ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxxi on the words.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xiii. 6, Where we are Told of the ...
... "All men are liars." [3447] We have chanted, "Arise, Lord; let not man prevail."
[3448] What is, "let not man prevail"? Were not the Apostles men? ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lx on the words.htm

Ninth Commandment
... David said in his haste""All men are liars." Some one has remarked that if he had
been living nowadays, he might say it without haste and not be very far ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/ninth commandment.htm

Some General Uses from this Useful Truth, that Christ is the Truth ...
... from the truth. Though all men prove liars and deceivers, truth will abide
the same, and stand out all the blasts of opposition. ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xii some general uses.htm

Psalm CXVI.
... 8. "I said in my trance, All men are liars" (ver.11). By trance he meaneth fear,
which when persecutors threaten, and when the sufferings ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxvi.htm

The Testimony of the Church
... But the veracity of men is imperfect and inconstant, and is always such as to give
occasion to this the remark of truth, "All men are liars." Neither is the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/8 the testimony of the.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John vi. 53, "Except Ye Eat the Flesh ...
... abundance I said, I shall never be moved." [3919] "In my abundance I said." But
I said it, I who am a man said it; "All men are liars, I said." [3920] Therefore ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxxxi on the words.htm

Petilianus Said: Over and Over Again He Reproaches the False ...
... again He reproaches the false speakers and liars in such ... the sons of the devil who
slay men by withdrawing ... Church is to be found: "Throughout all nations," He ...
/.../chapter 13 29 petilianus.htm

These are the False Accusations; the Accusation of Classicism...
... he himself is a liar. David said in his haste, that is, in his honesty, that
all men are liars. It was afterwards, in some leisurely ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 38 these are the.htm

What does the Bible say about lying? Is lying a sin? | GotQuestions.org

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