Lies Ruin Lives

Let’s jump straight into this topic by asking the simple but important question:

What is a lie?

Many people think a lie is only something deliberately untrue, something spoken with intent to deceive. But biblically, that is not the full picture. A lie before God is any departure from truth, whether intentional or careless. If something is untrue and presented as truth, it is a lie. Man excuses lies based on intention, but God does not.

“Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight” (Proverbs 12:22)

He judges truth by what is said, not by how convincingly it is delivered. A lie is any spoken, written, or implied falsehood that misleads in any way, and Scripture makes it clear that bearing false witness is sin.

“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour” (Exodus 20:16)

Growing up, this is linked closely to right and wrong. A child, even at a very young age, begins to understand truth and falsehood. You can see it in their face, their mannerisms, and their behaviour. They know when they are being naughty, and they know when they are hiding something. They learn quickly what a lie is. So why do adults get this so wrong? Why do we excuse lies, justify lies, and even teach lies to our children? It shows our lack of guidance, our failure to lead, and the unfortunate reality of original sin. Original sin means that every person is born with a fallen nature inherited from Adam — a nature inclined toward sin, including lying, even before we fully understand it.

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12)

We do not become sinners because we lie; we lie because we are sinners. Only when a person is saved does the true weight of sin become clear, and only then does the desire to turn from falsehood begin.

Many people talk about “white lies,” the harmless ones. Most would admit they’ve told them. If you asked a crowd to raise their hands if they’ve ever told a white lie, almost every hand would go up. The one person who keeps their hand down would be lying by doing so, defeating the purpose entirely. And if you’re still unsure, think about the tooth fairy, the Easter bunny, or Santa Claus. Most parents have told these stories as if they were true. Regardless of the intention, strictly speaking, a lie is a lie, and it is unacceptable in the eyes of the Lord.

To understand the seriousness of lies, we must look at the consequences. Lies destroy trust, corrupt relationships, and lead people into deeper sin. A person may be lied about, falsely accused, or manipulated by others. Some people can sell a story convincingly, with tears, emotion, or great acting skills. Others build their lies on exaggeration, twisted facts, or outright falsehoods. They may fool those with earthly authority, but they will never deceive the Creator.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7)

God sees the truth perfectly. Those who bear false witness will face the consequences of their actions, if not in this life, then in everlasting hell.

“All liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone” (Revelation 21:8)

No liar escapes His judgment.

One lie can ruin a reputation. It can destroy a family. It can break marriages, separate parents from their children, and lead to divorce. It can cost someone their career, their income, their stability, and their earthly security. Lies can crush a person’s self‑esteem, make them feel worthless, unworthy, and defeated. The ramifications are endless, and the liar rarely cares about the damage they cause. This is especially true when the lie is not a throwaway comment but something premeditated, planned, and intentional — whether the liar fully understands the consequences or simply does not care.

A liar may sometimes regret their actions, but sometimes they do not. Regardless, the damage is done. Lies leave scars that do not heal easily. They tear down what took years to build. They destroy trust that may never be restored.

If this resonates with you in any way — whether as the victim of lies or as the liar — there is hope. If you are the victim, you are not worthless or unworthy. God sees past the lies. He knows the truth. He sees you through Jesus Christ, who is perfect, if you are saved.

“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart” (Psalm 34:18)

And if you are the liar, the one who has kept secrets or twisted truth, there is still time. You can do what is right. Repent before God. Tell the truth to those involved. Unburden yourself from the shackles of sin. More importantly, obey what God commands.

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy”

(Proverbs 28:13)

There are many specifics that could be discussed, and many situations that cannot be documented in one article because each circumstance is unique. But hopefully this has helped in some shape or form, whether to reaffirm what you already know, to correct what needs correcting, or to help you see the seriousness of lies in a new light.