what does the bible say about lying

The Bible strongly condemns lying, teaching that it is sinful and detestable to God. Key verses include the commandment "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16), declarations that God hates lying (Proverbs 6:16-19, Proverbs 12:22), and warnings that liars will face severe consequences including spiritual judgment (Revelation 21:8). God's nature is characterized by truth, and lying is seen as contrary to His essence and linked to the devil, described as the "father of lies" (John 8:44). Believers are instructed to speak truthfully because lying destroys trust, harms others, and distances one from God.