The Eighth Commandment forbids false witness and calls believers to live with integrity and truth in both speech and action. Lying harms our neighbor, dishonors Christ—who is the truth—and aligns us with the kingdom of darkness. Christians are called to speak the truth in love and remain faithful to the orthodox teaching of the Church guided by the Holy Spirit.

Deuteronomy 5:20

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor”

New Testament Confirmation

Matthew 5:33–37 teaches that our words should be simple and truthful: “Let your ‘Yes’ be yes and your ‘No,’ no.”
Jesus warns against false oaths and deceptive speech.
The disciple of Christ should live a life marked by integrity and truthfulness.

What Is Lying?

Lying is the willful communication of a falsehood in order to deceive another person.
It involves both misrepresentation and deception.
Lies can occur in legal matters as well as everyday life.
This commandment addresses not only our actions but also our words.
God desires integrity and righteousness integrated into our entire lives.
It is likely one of the most frequently broken commandments, even within the church.

Why Is Lying Forbidden?

1.Because it harms and defames our neighbor

Ephesians 4:25 calls believers to speak truth to their neighbor.
Lies damage the reputation and dignity of the person spoken about.
They also deceive those who hear the lie.
Lying creates a false reality.

2.Because it erodes our love for truth

Truth is defined as what exists and corresponds to reality.
There is both internal truth and external truth.
Together they form what we call reality.
Truthfulness is the virtue of living with integrity in word and deed.
What we say and what we do must align.

3.Because it dishonors Jesus Christ

Jesus came full of grace and truth (John 1:14).
He is the light of the world (John 8:12).
In God there is no darkness (1 John 1).
Jesus declares: “I am the truth” (John 14:6).
When we lie, we dishonor Christ, who is the source of all truth.

4.Because it aligns us with the kingdom of darkness

John 8:44 calls the devil the father of lies.
All lies originate from the kingdom of darkness.
Satan imitates truth through counterfeits.
Just as all truth comes from Christ, lies originate from the devil.

Practices Related to Lying

These actions are closely connected to false witness:

1. Slander

Speaking false or damaging statements about someone that harm their reputation.

2. Gossip

Repeating information about someone without verifying it.
Often involves rumors or harmful speech.

3. Flattery

Saying positive things we know are not true in order to gain someone’s favor.

4. Manipulation

Speaking falsely in order to control people or situations.

5. Perjury

Lying under oath in a court of law.

6. Insulting Speech

Direct, malicious verbal attacks against another person.

7. Exaggeration

Stretching the truth to benefit oneself or a situation.

8.Boasting or Bragging

Presenting oneself as greater or more important than reality.

The Christian Alternative

Ephesians 4 teaches believers to speak the truth in love.
Speaking truth helps believers grow into Christ.
Truthfulness is essential for spiritual health and maturity.

Lying in Doctrine (Heresy)

Bearing false witness can also occur against God, not only against our neighbor.
This occurs through heresy or false teaching.
Heresy is false teaching about God or the Christian faith.

The Holy Spirit and Truth

John 16:13 calls the Holy Spirit the Spirit of Truth.
He guides believers into all truth.

Warnings Against False Doctrine

Colossians 2:6–8 warns against deceptive philosophy and human tradition.
2 Peter 2:1 warns that false teachers will arise within the church.
1 John 2:22 links lying with denying that Jesus is the Christ.
Hebrews 13:8–9 reminds believers that Christ does not change and warns against strange teachings.
Galatians 1:8–9 pronounces a curse on anyone preaching a different gospel.
Romans 16:17 calls believers to avoid those who create doctrinal divisions.
1 Timothy 1:3–4 warns against teaching different doctrines.

Faithfulness to True Doctrine

The Church must remain rooted in orthodox Christian teaching.
The gospel is not meant to be reinvented.
Christian truth is like a tree connected to a root.
Any teaching disconnected from that root is a dead branch.