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What Does the Bible Say About Liars and Manipulators? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Liars and Manipulators?

Introduction

Lying and manipulation are two common sins that humans struggle with, and it’s not just a modern-day issue. It’s a timeless problem that has been around since the beginning of time. As Christians, we are called to be truthful and honest in all our dealings with others, and this includes our thoughts, words, and actions.

The Bible provides guidance on how we should behave towards others and ourselves, and this guidance extends to the issue of lying and manipulation.

In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about liars and manipulators, their consequences, and God’s response to these behaviors.

We will examine various examples of lying and manipulation found in the Bible, the reasons why individuals engage in these behaviors, and the impact they have on individuals and society. We will also discuss the ultimate consequences of these behaviors according to the Bible.

As Christians, it’s important to understand what the Bible says about lying and manipulation. This knowledge can help us better understand the negative impact of these behaviors and the importance of being truthful and honest in all our dealings with others.

Let’s dive deeper into what the Bible says about liars and manipulators and what we can learn from it.

lying in the Bible

Defining Liars and Manipulators

Before we delve deeper into the topic, it’s essential to define what we mean by “liars” and “manipulators.”

Liars are individuals who intentionally deceive others by not telling the truth. They may lie about their actions, feelings, or intentions to benefit themselves or to harm others.

Manipulators, on the other hand, are individuals who use deceptive tactics to control or influence others. They may use emotional manipulation, guilt-tripping, gaslighting, or other tactics to get their way.

Now that we have defined our terms, let’s see what the Bible says about them.

Liars in the Bible

Lying is a common sin found in the Bible. We see various examples of people lying to gain some sort of advantage or to protect themselves from the consequences of their actions. For instance, Abraham lied to Pharaoh, saying that his wife Sarah was his sister to protect himself from being killed (Genesis 12:10-20).

Later, he did the same thing to King Abimelech (Genesis 20:1-18). Similarly, Jacob lied to his father Isaac, pretending to be his brother Esau to receive the blessing meant for the firstborn (Genesis 27:19-24).

These examples show that lying can lead to disastrous consequences. In Abraham’s case, he was thrown out of Egypt, and in Jacob’s case, he was forced to flee from his brother Esau’s wrath.

The Bible warns us of the consequences of lying in Proverbs 19:9, which states, “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies will perish.” This verse shows that those who lie will ultimately face God’s judgment.

Moreover, lying can cause severe damage to our relationships with others. When we lie, we break trust and betray the confidence that others have placed in us. It can also lead to a cycle of more lies and deception, making it harder to come clean and ask for forgiveness.

Manipulators in the Bible

Manipulation is also a common sin found in the Bible. We see various examples of people manipulating others to get what they want. For instance, Jacob manipulated Laban, his father-in-law, to receive more of the flock as his wages (Genesis 30:31-43).

Similarly, Joseph’s brothers manipulated their father, Jacob, into thinking that Joseph had been killed (Genesis 37:31-35).

Manipulation can cause significant harm to the individuals who are being manipulated. It can lead to emotional distress, self-doubt, and a loss of confidence. In some cases, manipulation can even lead to physical harm, as in the case of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers.

The Bible warns us of the dangers of manipulation in Proverbs 26:24-25, which states, “He who hates, disguises it with his lips, and lays up deceit within himself; when he speaks kindly, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart.”

This verse shows that those who manipulate others do so out of hate and deceit, and their actions are an abomination to God.

God’s Response to Liars and Manipulators

God’s response to lying and manipulation is clear in the Bible. He hates these behaviors and expects us to be truthful and honest in all our dealings with others.

Jesus says in John 8:32, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” As Christians, we must follow God’s example and be truthful in all our dealings with others.

Moreover, the Bible shows that God does not tolerate lying and manipulation. In Acts 5:1-11, Ananias and Sapphira lied about the amount of money they received from the sale of their property, and God struck them dead as a result of their deception.

This story shows that lying and manipulation have serious consequences, even in the eyes of God.

Consequences of Lying and Manipulation in the Bible

The Bible warns us of the consequences of lying and manipulation. Lying and manipulation can lead to a wide range of negative consequences, including:

Consequences for individuals who lie and manipulate

  • Loss of trust and respect
  • Relationship breakdowns
  • Rejection and isolation
  • Spiritual and moral corruption
  • Judgment from God

These consequences show that lying and manipulation can have a significant impact on our lives and the lives of those around us. The Bible warns us that those who persist in lying and manipulation will ultimately face God’s judgment.

Consequences for societies that tolerate lying and manipulation

Lying and manipulation can also have negative consequences for societies that tolerate these behaviors. When leaders lie and manipulate, it can lead to a breakdown in trust and a loss of faith in our institutions. It can also lead to increased corruption and a lack of accountability.

The Bible warns us of the consequences of societies that tolerate lying and manipulation in Proverbs 29:12, which states, “If a ruler pays attention to lies, all his servants become wicked.” This verse shows that leaders who lie and manipulate can corrupt those around them and lead to widespread moral decay.

The ultimate consequence of lying and manipulation according to the Bible

The Bible also warns us of the ultimate consequence of lying and manipulation. In Revelation 21:8, it says, “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

This verse shows that those who persist in lying and manipulating will ultimately face eternal damnation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible clearly warns us about the dangers of lying and manipulation. These behaviors can cause significant harm to ourselves, others, and society as a whole. As Christians, we are called to be people of truth and integrity, and we must always strive to live up to this standard.

We must reject lying and manipulation and hold ourselves accountable for our actions.

We also have a responsibility to hold others accountable when they engage in these behaviors. We must create a society that values truth and integrity and reject those who seek to manipulate and deceive others for personal gain.

As we strive to live a life of truth and integrity, we can be assured that God is with us and will help us overcome the temptation to lie and manipulate.

Remember, “The truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Let’s commit ourselves to live a life of truth and integrity and reject the temptations of lying and manipulation. By doing so, we can build a better world, one that reflects God’s love and truth.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.