Introduction: When lying becomes part of the scenery
In today’s world, telling the truth feels optional. We’re expected to hide, soften, edit. We lie so we won’t hurt, so we won’t lose, so we won’t look bad. And over time, lying stops hurting… it becomes normal.
But what does God think about that?
The Bible doesn’t treat lying as something minor. It doesn’t tolerate it, minimize it, or excuse it. And one of the clearest verses on this subject is found in the book of Proverbs:
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
— Proverbs 12:22 (NIV)
This verse isn’t just an ethical warning. It’s a window into the heart of God. What we say—and how we say it—has deep spiritual implications.
Today we’re going to break down this powerful declaration of biblical wisdom, word by word, to understand why living in truth is not a suggestion… but a way to please God.
The verse (NIV)
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
— Proverbs 12:22 (New International Version)
Do we need to situate ourselves before we understand it?
The book of Proverbs was written as a practical manual to form a life that is wise, just, upright, and God-fearing. Each phrase aims to shape the believer’s character and conduct in daily life.
In chapter 12, the righteous is constantly contrasted with the wicked, the wise with the foolish, the truth-teller with the deceiver. And in this particular verse, God reveals His non-negotiable position on lying.
This isn’t about “little white lies,” but a direct line:
What is false offends God. What is true pleases Him.
Word-by-word breakdown
Let’s dive into the original Hebrew to grasp the spiritual weight of each word.
“The Lord detests lying lips…”
Hebrew:
תּוֹעֲבַת יְהוָה שִׂפְתֵי־שָׁקֶר
(toevat YHWH siftei–sháker)
- תּוֹעֲבַת (toevat): Means “abomination, something repulsive, detestable.” In Scripture, it’s used for acts God deeply rejects (Leviticus 18:22; Deuteronomy 7:25). This isn’t just dislike—it’s divine repulsion.
- יְהוָה (YHWH): The sacred name of God. This isn’t merely a moral violation. It’s a direct offense against the character of God, who is absolute truth (John 14:6).
- שִׂפְתֵי שָׁקֶר (siftei sháker): Literally “lips of falsehood.” In Hebrew, lips represent public speech—what we communicate outwardly. Sháker implies intentional, deliberate lying.
God doesn’t tolerate what’s false—because He is Truth.
“…but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
Hebrew:
וְעֹשֵׂי אֱמוּנָה רְצוֹנוֹ
(ve’oséi emunáh retzonó)
- וְעֹשֵׂי (ve’oséi): “Those who do, who practice.” This isn’t just about inner belief—it’s about visible and consistent action.
- אֱמוּנָה (emunáh): A rich word meaning “faithfulness, integrity, lived truth.” It comes from the same root as amen (אָמֵן), which implies firmness and reliability. It speaks of someone trustworthy, real, and whole.
- רְצוֹנוֹ (retzonó): “His delight, His pleasure.” This word expresses deep joy and genuine satisfaction. It’s not just “approval.” It means God rejoices when He sees His children living with integrity.
God doesn’t just care about what we say.
He cares about who we are.
So what does this verse really say?
This passage gives us a complete contrast:
A life of lies is detestable to God.
A life of integrity brings Him joy.
There is no gray area.
There are no lies that can be justified before a Holy God.
And no act of faithfulness goes unnoticed: God sees it… and delights in it.
This verse also reveals something deeper:
When we lie, we don’t just hurt others…
We go against the very nature of God. Jesus said:
“When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
— John 8:44
The liar aligns with Satan—not with God.
But when someone walks in faithfulness—even when no one sees it—God smiles.
Because He sees His truth reflected in us.
Cross-reference with other passages
Ephesians 4:25
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”
In the body of Christ, truth isn’t just a virtue—it’s essential for unity.
Psalm 15:1–2
“Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? […] The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart.”
Fellowship with God isn’t based on religious appearances, but on a life of truth.
Colossians 3:9–10
“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self […] and have put on the new self.”
Lying belongs to the “old self.”
The new life in Christ is a life of truth.
Proverbs 6:16–19
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: […] a false witness who pours out lies.”
God doesn’t tolerate falsehood in any form.
Lies are always an abomination.
Final reflection
Proverbs 12:22 is not just an ethical warning.
It’s a spiritual call to live in line with the character of the God we claim to represent.
God is not impressed by religious words if our lips are used to deceive.
He longs for integrity, truth, faithfulness—because He is Truth.
And when we live this way—when we make truth the way we speak and act—
we not only avoid sin…
We bring joy to the heart of God.
Today you can pray this:
“Lord, purify my lips. Make my heart hate lies the way You hate them. Teach me to act with faithfulness, to live with integrity, and to reflect Your character in everything I say and do. May my life be a delight to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Discover more from Christ Reigns Media
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.