Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 12:22
What does Proverbs 12:22 mean?
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Proverbs 12:22
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This verse doesn't just condemn lies; it highlights that God's delight is found in those who "deal truly," which means living with integrity where your actions consistently match your words. This isn't just about avoiding falsehoods, but actively embodying truth in all your dealings, earning God's pleasure through faithful consistency.
Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb sits in a section of Proverbs contrasting the ways of the wicked with the righteous. Immediately before this, the text speaks about righteous deeds leading to life and the wicked's plans bringing trouble. Following this verse, it emphasizes that honest speech builds community, while foolish talk causes destruction, highlighting a consistent theme of integrity and faithfulness as foundational to life and pleasing to God.
The Bible doesn't hold back when describing God's view of lies. He uses a strong word here: 'abomination.' What does that really mean for us today?
When Proverbs calls lying lips an "abomination," it’s not just saying God is mildly displeased. This word carries immense weight, signifying something utterly detestable and disgusting to Him.
Why so strong?
God’s hatred for lies is a passionate, indignant one because lies corrupt and destroy everything God holds dear.
On the flip side of 'abomination' is God's 'delight.' What does it mean to 'deal faithfully,' and why does it bring such pleasure to the Lord?
While lies are detestable, those who "deal truly" or "faithfully" are God's "delight." This isn't just about speaking the truth; it's about living it out.
Ask a follow-up
What does 'dealing faithfully' involve?
This kind of integrity and faithfulness brings deep pleasure to God, showing that He cherishes those who reflect His truthful character in their lives.
Understand the original words
to'ebah · Hebrew Noun
Anything that is morally detestable, repugnant, or offensive to the holiness and character of God. It signifies a profound divine rejection of certain actions or attitudes.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
A title for the God of Israel, the covenant-keeping I AM, who reveals Himself through His redemptive actions and holiness. It signifies His absolute sovereignty and personal relationship with His people.
This Psalm directly states that God hates those who practice deceit, mirroring the 'abomination' language in Proverbs for lying lips.
John 3:21This verse speaks of 'doing the truth' as a sign of one who lives in the light, directly connecting to the idea of faithful action being God's delight.
Revelation 21:8This passage lists 'liars' among those whose place is in the lake of fire, highlighting the severe spiritual consequence of habitually lying, which God abominates.
Colossians 3:9Paul instructs believers not to lie to one another, underscoring that 'lying lips' are incompatible with a new life in Christ, a life that should reflect God's delight in truth.
bensonProverbs 12:22: "Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight."
Proverbs 12:22 . Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord — “The Lord,” says Melancthon, on this verse, “recommends to us the love and care of truth, both in doctrines concerning himself, and in arts, and all honest covenants and contracts: for truth being among the chiefest and most conspicuous virtues, therefore the contrary vice is condemned by an expressive word, abomination, that is, such a…
jfbProverbs 12:22: "Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight."
- deal truly—or, "faithfully," that is, according to promises (compare Joh 3:21).
This verse doesn't just condemn lies; it highlights that God's delight is found in those who "deal truly," which means living with integrity where your actions consistently match your words. This isn't just about avoiding falsehoods, but actively embodying truth in all your dealings, earning God's pleasure through faithful consistency.
This proverb sits in a section of Proverbs contrasting the ways of the wicked with the righteous. Immediately before this, the text speaks about righteous deeds leading to life and the wicked's plans bringing trouble. Following this verse, it emphasizes that honest speech builds community, while foolish talk causes destruction, highlighting a consistent theme of integrity and faithfulness as foundational to life and pleasing to God.
This proverb sits in a section of Proverbs contrasting the ways of the wicked with the righteous. Immediately before this, the text speaks about righteous deeds leading to life and the wicked's plans bringing trouble. Following this verse, it emphasizes that honest speech builds community, while foolish talk causes destruction, highlighting a consistent theme of integrity and faithfulness as foundational to life and pleasing to God.
"Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight." — This verse doesn't just condemn lies; it highlights that God's delight is found in those who "deal truly," which means living with integrity where your actions consistently match your words. This isn…
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Last reviewed October 2026