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False Witness

False witness—lying under oath or bearing false testimony against another—is explicitly condemned throughout Scripture as a serious sin that violates God's character and harms others. God calls believers to truthfulness in all circumstances, especially in legal and relational contexts.

Overview

The Bible firmly prohibits false witness as a violation of God's holy standard. This sin damages communities, perverts justice, and reflects a heart opposed to God's truth. Both the Old and New Testaments establish severe consequences for those who deliberately deceive through false testimony.

Key Scriptures

"You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another" (Leviticus 19:11, ESV).

"If a malicious witness arises to accuse a person of wrongdoing, then both parties to the dispute shall appear before the Lord, before the priests and the judges who are in office in those days" (Deuteronomy 19:16-17, ESV).

"The Lord hates...a false witness who breathes out lies" (Proverbs 6:16-19, ESV).

Application

Commit to speaking truth in all circumstances, understanding that honesty reflects God's character and protects both your integrity and your community's wellbeing.

Scripture References 15
Leviticus 19:11 Leviticus 19:12 Deuteronomy 19:16 Deuteronomy 19:17 Deuteronomy 19:18 Deuteronomy 19:19 Deuteronomy 19:20 Proverbs 6:16 Proverbs 6:17 Proverbs 6:18 Proverbs 6:19 Zechariah 5:3 Zechariah 5:4 1 Timothy 1:9 1 Timothy 1:10
Full Topical Reference List 15 total — Nave's Topical Bible

General references

1 Timothy 1:9 1 Timothy 1:10 Deuteronomy 19:16 Deuteronomy 19:17 Deuteronomy 19:18 Deuteronomy 19:19 Deuteronomy 19:20 Leviticus 19:11 Leviticus 19:12 Proverbs 6:16 Proverbs 6:17 Proverbs 6:18 Proverbs 6:19 Zechariah 5:3 Zechariah 5:4
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