The conflict between truth and deceit has long plagued humanity. Scripture clearly asserts that “all men are liars” (Psalm 116:11), demonstrating that the Bible does not back down from this unsettling truth.
This phrase reveals the fallen state that exists within every human heart, rather than only being an indictment against others. Deception is viewed as one of the primary consequences of sin and a sign of humanity’s strained connection with God and one another from the very beginning of the Bible.
God reveals the contradictions, fallibility, and immoral inclinations of human speech in both the Old and New Testaments. False promises, manipulation, flattery, lies, and half-truths all point to a deeper spiritual issue: since God is the source of truth, people are prone to stray from it.
Dishonesty is inevitable when individuals turn away from God, the wellspring of all integrity. This universal fault serves as a reminder that when motivated by fear, pride, or self-interest, even the most well-meaning people can be dishonest.
However, condemnation is not the conclusion of the biblical teaching. Scripture emphasizes God’s unwavering faithfulness while stressing the fallibility of human nature. God cannot lie, in contrast to man (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2). His promises are unwavering, His truth is timeless, and His Word is pure. As a result, these lyrics serve as both a cautionary tale against relying merely on human flesh and an invitation to ground our faith in the One whose character is perfect and whose truth brings freedom. We can more truly accept the power of God’s truth, which changes, restores, and establishes our trustworthiness in Him, when we acknowledge the frailty of human honesty.
40 Powerful Bible Verses About All Men Are Liars (2025)
1. Psalm 116:11
“I said in my haste, All men are liars.”
This verse is the foundation of the theme, expressing a recognition of human unfaithfulness and imperfection. The psalmist, likely overwhelmed by betrayal or suffering, acknowledges the frailty and inconsistency of mankind when compared to God’s steadfast truth. In moments of disillusionment, this verse reminds us that ultimate trust must be placed in God, not in fallible humans.
2. Romans 3:4
“Let God be true, but every man a liar.”
Paul strongly affirms the absolute truthfulness of God against the deceit and corruption found in humanity. Even when people falter or reject God’s Word, God’s righteousness remains unchangeable. This verse teaches believers to anchor truth in God’s character rather than popular opinion or human claims that oppose Scripture.
3. Jeremiah 17:5
“Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the LORD.”
Jeremiah warns against placing ultimate trust in human beings. Relying solely on human wisdom or strength leads to spiritual vulnerability and disaster. True security comes from dependence on God—our unchanging source of hope and truth.
4. Psalm 118:8
“It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans.”
Positioned at the very center of the Bible, this verse provides a powerful reminder: human trust is always limited. God alone offers perfect protection, guidance, and truth. When the opinions and promises of men fluctuate, believers are called to rest confidently in the Lord’s reliability.
5. Job 15:14
“What are mortals, that they could be pure, or those born of woman, that they could be righteous?”
These words expose the inherent sinfulness and moral weakness of humanity. No person can claim perfect righteousness apart from God. This verse encourages humility, reminding us that without divine intervention, everyone is prone to deception and moral failure.
6. Micah 7:5
“Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend.”
Micah describes a society corrupted by deceit, where even close relationships are tainted by betrayal. The verse does not condemn human relationships altogether but highlights the danger of placing ultimate faith in flawed people. God remains the only sure source of loyalty and truth.
7. Proverbs 20:6
“Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?”
This proverb reveals that genuine faithfulness is rare. People often overestimate their loyalty or integrity, yet actions prove otherwise. The verse encourages discernment and shifts our admiration toward God, who alone embodies perfect faithfulness.
8. Psalm 62:9
“Surely the lowborn are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie.”
The psalmist contrasts human status, showing that neither the humble nor the powerful can guarantee worth or truth. Everyone, regardless of position, is transient and morally unstable. Only God’s truth carries eternal substance.
9. Isaiah 2:22
“Stop trusting mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils.”
Isaiah calls God’s people to release their dependence on worldly leaders and systems. Human life is temporary and easily corrupted. Fixing our trust on the eternal God brings lasting stability, while human trust invites collapse.
10. Proverbs 29:5
“Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet.”
Flattery exposes a deceptive form of communication designed to manipulate, not uplift. This verse warns that those who use sweet words often conceal harmful intentions. Discernment is necessary, as truth and integrity must guide relationships rather than deceitful speech.
11. Proverbs 14:12
“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”
Human judgment often feels trustworthy, yet it is easily swayed by emotion, pride, and deception. Because people naturally rationalize their desires, humanity frequently chooses paths that contradict God’s truth. This verse reminds us that our ideas of right and wrong cannot serve as the ultimate authority. Only God’s Word provides a moral compass that leads to life rather than destruction. It exposes how human reasoning apart from God can masquerade as wisdom while leading us down spiritually deadly roads.
12. Psalm 5:9
“Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice.”
The psalmist describes individuals whose speech has become a weapon of deceit. Words are intended to reflect truth, yet sin reshapes language to manipulate, harm, and mislead. When motives are corrupted, even pleasant speech hides destructive intentions. This verse paints a vivid picture of humanity’s struggle with honesty and highlights the need for divine discernment in navigating relationships affected by the fallenness of human nature.
13. Psalm 41:9
“Even my close friend, someone I trusted…has turned against me.”
Betrayal from a trusted companion reveals the painful reality of human disloyalty. When someone close inflicts harm, it uncovers the fragility of trust in relationships built on human reliability alone. This verse resonates with anyone who has experienced heartbreak caused by deceit or broken promises. It teaches us that even those we believe to be loyal may disappoint, making God the only truly dependable refuge of trust.
14. Proverbs 12:22
“The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
Though lying is common among humanity, God’s standard for truth remains uncompromising. This contrast amplifies the gap between human behavior and divine expectation. Lies corrode relationships and hinder righteousness, while truth reflects God’s character and builds trust. The verse calls believers to rise above a culture of deceit by living lives of integrity that honor God.
15. Isaiah 59:13
“Rebellion and treachery against the LORD, turning our backs on God; inciting revolt and oppression, uttering lies our hearts have conceived.”
Isaiah exposes the internal root of human dishonesty. Lies are not merely spoken—they are conceived in the heart before reaching the tongue. Humanity’s rebellion manifests through falsehood as people turn away from God’s truth to craft narratives that justify sin. This verse reminds us that deception is a spiritual issue, requiring repentance at the heart level, not merely behavior modification.
16. Psalm 12:2
“Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts.”
This sobering declaration captures the widespread nature of deceit. It points out the division between outward expression and inward reality—a hallmark of human sinfulness. Even pleasant words may be accompanied by hidden agendas. The verse urges believers to recognize the pervasiveness of dishonesty in society and to pursue genuine sincerity guided by God’s truth.
17. Jeremiah 9:4
“Beware of your friends; do not trust anyone in your clan.”
Jeremiah describes a community where deceit has become so normalized that trust has completely broken down. When falsehood dominates society, relationships crumble under suspicion and insecurity. This verse highlights that human trust is never absolute; only God can anchor the heart in certainty. It calls believers to trust wisely while reserving absolute confidence for the Lord alone.
18. Hosea 10:13
“You have plowed wickedness, you have reaped iniquity; you have eaten the fruit of lies.”
Israel’s disobedience produced a harvest of corruption rooted in deception. Lies may seem harmless at first, but they lead to spiritual decay and moral ruin. This agricultural metaphor illustrates that what people sow through deceit will eventually return as destructive consequences. It emphasizes the need for repentance and a return to truth as the only soil capable of yielding righteousness.
19. Ephesians 4:22
“Put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.”
Paul reveals that deception is not merely external—it lives within the human nature corrupted by sin. Our desires themselves can mislead and distort our pursuit of truth. The call to “put off” the old self is a call to reject the lies we once embraced and to embrace the new nature transformed by Christ. This verse provides hope that in God, we are not bound to the deceitful patterns of our past.
20. Titus 1:12
“Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.”
Paul acknowledges a cultural reputation known for dishonesty, not as an insult but as a reality needing transformation through the gospel. Humanity’s shortcomings are evident across cultures and societies; no group is exempt from the universal presence of sin and deceit. This verse reminds us that transformation and truth come not from culture or heritage but from the sanctifying work of God.
21. 1 John 1:8
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”
John addresses a universal struggle: the temptation to deny our own wrongdoing. Self-deception is among humanity’s most dangerous forms of dishonesty because it blinds us to the truth we need for repentance. This verse exposes the spiritual peril of pretending to be righteous on our own. It directs us toward humility and confession, reminding us that acknowledging sin is the first step to living in God’s truth.
22. Proverbs 21:2
“A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart.”
Humans often justify their actions, convinced of their own correctness. However, God sees beyond appearances and examines the deepest intentions. While people may deceive themselves and others, no lie can withstand God’s perfect judgment. This verse calls believers to humility and accountability before the One who sees and measures all truth accurately.
23. Psalm 101:7
“No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.”
God reveals His intolerance for deception within His people and His presence. This strong statement underscores His holy character, which refuses to coexist with lies. Truth is a fundamental requirement in God’s household. This verse challenges believers to reject deceit and embrace integrity in all that they do, knowing God desires purity of speech and conduct.
24. Jeremiah 17:9
“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”
The human heart, the core of thoughts and desires, is profoundly affected by sin. Jeremiah describes its capacity to mislead both self and others, making it impossible to fully trust our own instincts. This verse humbles us by pointing to our need for God’s wisdom and transformation. Only He truly understands the complexities of the human heart and can purify it.
25. Matthew 15:19
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.”
Jesus reveals that lies begin internally long before being spoken aloud. Falsehood is among a list of destructive sins produced by the fallen human condition. This verse removes the illusion that deceit is merely a small moral issue; it is rooted in the same corruption that leads to major wrongdoing. It calls believers to pursue heart transformation through God’s Word and Spirit.
26. Proverbs 19:22
“Better to be poor than a liar.”
This proverb elevates truth above worldly gain. Even poverty is preferable to a life built on dishonesty. God values integrity more than possessions, status, or comfort. This verse emphasizes the high cost of deceit and encourages believers to cherish character over material success. Honesty aligns us with God’s nature, while lies align us with destruction.
27. Psalm 4:2
“How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?”
David confronts those who embrace falsehood over divine truth. Humanity often replaces God with idols: ideas, desires, or worldly pursuits that feed deception. This verse exposes the tendency to reject what is real for what is appealing but untrue. It calls believers to turn from delusion and honor God’s glory instead of shamefully trading it for lies.
28. 2 Timothy 3:13
“Evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”
Paul describes a tragic cycle: deception spreads like a disease. Those who choose dishonesty become both victims and agents of lies. Society deteriorates when falsehood is accepted as truth. This verse forewarns believers to guard against spiritual deception in a world that increasingly embraces false narratives. Growth in God’s Word is essential for discernment.
29. Nahum 3:1
“Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without victims!”
The prophet condemns a city built on violence, greed, and unending deception. A culture steeped in lies inevitably inflicts harm on its people. This verse illustrates how dishonesty leads to widespread oppression and societal collapse. God’s judgment falls on those who sustain power through falsehood, proving that truth and justice are inseparable in His eyes.
30. Zephaniah 3:13
“The remnant of Israel will do no wrong; they will tell no lies.”
This verse paints a hopeful future transformed by God’s redeeming work. In His kingdom, honesty and purity replace the dishonesty that once defined humanity. Lies will no longer corrupt relationships or community. God promises a people restored to truth, living in harmony with His righteousness—a powerful reminder that deceit will not have the final say.
31. Psalm 58:3
“Even from birth the wicked go astray; from the womb they are wayward, spreading lies.”
This verse highlights that deceitfulness is not merely learned behavior—it is part of the sinful nature humanity inherits. From the earliest stages of life, people are inclined toward dishonesty. It emphasizes the depth of mankind’s spiritual corruption and the universal need for redemption. Only God can break the pattern of falsehood that begins at birth.
32. Proverbs 6:16-17
“There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue…”
Lying is listed among the behaviors God hates most, placing deceit in the category of sins that deeply wound His holiness and disrupt human relationships. It reveals that untruthfulness is not tolerated lightly. This verse calls believers to reject lies in every form because truthfulness reflects God’s character and honors His standards.
33. Psalm 144:8
“Whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful.”
This verse shows how deeply dishonesty can invade society—impacting both speech and action. False words are reinforced by untrustworthy behavior, creating an environment where deception becomes normal. It warns believers that deceit never exists in isolation; it spreads into every part of life when left unchecked.
34. 1 John 2:4
“Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar.”
John exposes a specific form of dishonesty: religious hypocrisy. Claiming devotion to God without obedience is deception in its purest form. This verse challenges believers to align confession with conduct. Genuine faith produces truth-filled living, proving loyalty to God through action rather than empty words.
35. Job 24:25
“If this is not so, who can prove me false and reduce my words to nothing?”
Job defends his integrity against accusations from friends who misjudged him. The verse shows that human assessments often come from flawed assumptions, making people quick to accuse without full understanding. It reminds us that God alone ultimately verifies truth—even when others mislabel or misunderstand us.
36. Psalm 52:2
“Your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor, you who practice deceit.”
Deception is portrayed as a deliberate tool—a razor that cuts and destroys. Lies are not just harmless distortions; they can deeply wound others. This verse stresses the destructive power of dishonest speech and underscores the importance of guarding the tongue with reverence for God’s truth.
37. Proverbs 26:24-25
“Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit.”
People often mask harmful intentions behind friendly words. This verse warns that false speech can be charming, making deception difficult to detect. It encourages believers to seek discernment from God, recognizing that appearances can be misleading and truth is sometimes hidden beneath flattering expressions.
38. Isaiah 30:9
“For these are rebellious people, deceitful children, unwilling to listen to the LORD’s instruction.”
Disobedience and deceit are linked as a rejection of God’s truth. When people refuse to listen to God’s Word, they substitute lies that justify their rebellion. This verse calls believers to embrace divine instruction rather than follow convenient falsehoods that lead to spiritual ruin.
39. Psalm 31:18
“Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous.”
Deceivers often use lies as weapons against the innocent, driven by pride and hostility. The psalmist prays that God would silence harmful voices and defend those wrongfully attacked. This verse assures believers that God stands with the righteous when truth is under assault and vindication is needed.
40. Proverbs 12:5
“The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.”
Human counsel varies widely in integrity. The righteous seek truth and justice, while the wicked manipulate information for selfish gain. This verse teaches discernment in choosing whose advice we follow. God calls His people to examine guidance through the lens of His truth, not persuasive words rooted in deception.
Conclusion
The realization that all men are liars is supposed to inspire us to pursue the One who is the embodiment of complete truth, not to depress us. The Bible reveals our profound need for God’s grace, transformation, and direction by exposing human dishonesty. Scripture tells us that our words will never be able to convey the truth God demands until the Holy Spirit transforms our hearts. The first step to giving ourselves over to Christ, who is the only one who can purify our words and bring our lives into compliance with God’s standard of righteousness, is acknowledging this reality.
In the end, the message is very clear: God’s Word never fails, but human promises could. His truth is reliable, timeless, and unalterable. We find comfort, clarity, and freedom when we decide to ground our faith in Him instead of imperfect mankind. We demonstrate God’s character to the world by accepting His truth and letting it guide our words and deeds. What starts out as a humble awareness of our own frailty becomes a potent demonstration of God’s faithfulness, which turns liars into truthful people.
