Have you ever witnessed a spider spin a web in a nature documentary? The process is breathtaking to behold. The incredible ability to weave webs is one of the primary things these unique creatures are known for. They employ this skill to catch prey and to create a place to dwell, among other purposes.

When a spider spins a web, it first finds a suitable location where a good food supply will be available. It then begins working on a sturdy structure to anchor the web. The spider then produces silk from its spinnerets, special organs at the end of its abdomen. The silk is produced as a liquid and hardens as the spider pulls it out.

As the spider spins its silk, its legs guide the thread into a pattern. It may create a circular web or a more complex design. The spider also produces different types of silk for different parts of the web. The process can take several hours or even days, depending on the size and complexity of the web. And different spider species—think of orb-weaver spiders, triangle spiders, funnel-web spiders, and more—produce different types of webs.

Consider taking a moment to find a YouTube video showing this. Web spinning is an inspiring example of God’s creative genius in nature. Yet the act of a spider spinning a web carries a sobering warning for us all.

You may have heard the idiom “web of lies.” While this term is not found in the Bible, it can teach us a valuable lesson. The saying describes a situation where a person has created a complex, tangled network of deceitful stories or falsehoods. A person caught in this situation may eventually find it difficult to any longer separate between what is true and what is false.

Various factors could contribute to someone weaving such a web. It may have begun with a single strand of “silk”—a white lie to cover up their wrongdoing—and become something much bigger than they originally intended over time.

Have you ever found yourself telling a lie? At some point, you have. And, most likely, you felt awful about it. What does the Bible say about telling lies? What does it say about telling the truth? Are little white lies okay? How important is it to always tell the truth?

This Bible study will answer these questions and many more. Use the points below to strengthen your resolve to always tell the truth—to never weave a web of lies. Before you start, get your Bible so you can look up every scripture.

(1) Where do lies come from? John 8:44. Whose attitudes are broadcast worldwide with a far greater reach than any television station? Ephesians 2:2. Where is the first lie documented in the Bible, and who told it? Genesis 3:4-5.

Millions of years ago, Lucifer, one of three archangels, rebelled against God. As a result, his name, which meant bringer of light, was changed to Satan—meaning opponent. Since then, he has been the father of lies! When a person lies, he or she is actually copying Satan! The Bible is blunt but true. This should give you a different perspective when you feel the urge to lie or are confronted with a situation where you seemingly “must” lie. Satan’s nature is broadcast to every human being on Earth. He transmits every wrong attitude that leads to bad behavior—including lying. You must resist this broadcast!

(2) Does God ever lie? Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18. How serious is lying from God’s perspective? Proverbs 6:16-19; 12:22.

Our Creator God cannot lie. Think for a moment of all God’s promises to those who obey Him: If you obey His laws, you will live an abundant, happy life. He promises to bless you if you tithe and give offerings to Him (Mal. 3:10). If you seek first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness, God will provide for all your needs (Matt. 6:25-33).

The list could be unending. Many personal Bible studies could be done on His promises throughout the Bible. It is incredible to know that you can rely on God completely! If He says He will do something, you can confidently claim this in prayer. As Titus 1:2 references, one of our most significant promises is eternal life, which God will give us if we do our part. Many things in life are not guaranteed, but what God says He will do, He will do!

God hates lying. The Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible entry for the word “hate” includes the terms enemy, foe and utterly hate. The Hebrew word for “abomination” is defined by Strong’s as something disgusting and abhorrent. These are strong words!

(3) What is the Ninth Commandment? Exodus 20:16; Deuteronomy 5:20. Is this command only found in the Old Testament? Matthew 19:18; Luke 18:20; Romans 13:9; Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 3:8-9.

Bearing false witness—telling a lie—is strictly prohibited. The Ten Commandments are the core of God’s Law, and many other scriptures expand upon them. These are the boundaries people must live within to build godly character and be truly happy in life.

The Ten Commandments can be divided into two groups: love toward God (the first four commandments) and love toward neighbor (the last six). When we lie, deceive or mislead, we hurt others, even if we do not intend to. Breaking the commandments evidences a lack of love for God and our fellow man. Carefully keeping them, however, lays a foundation of love for God and others.

(4) What does God say about society as a whole? Isaiah 59:2-4, 12-13; Jeremiah 9:1-6; Hosea 4:1-2.

This world is cut off from God. You have undoubtedly encountered people at school who lie freely, seemingly without giving the act a second thought. A look at any day’s news shows individuals with a similar proclivity—from celebrities to politicians, including those on both sides of the political spectrum. Many today routinely lie, distort or exaggerate the truth to benefit or protect themselves, out of fear, or for no reason at all.

These scriptures paint a sobering picture. Society is simply full of lies! Consider: Children are taught from an early age that Santa Claus comes down the chimney and gives them presents. They are promised a major haul if they are “good” throughout the year. This is just one example of how people are first lied to before they grow up to lie to others—a deadly cycle. Also, if a person’s parents are not living God’s Way, they are not taught any of the scriptures we are examining. Their mom or dad may outright teach them that lying is acceptable in some situations.

As an ambassador for God’s way of life, you live in the world but must not be “of” this world. Read John 18:36. Determine not to give in to the pressures of society—and instead, to always tell the truth.

(5) What is the outcome of telling lies? Proverbs 10:9; 12:19.

Lying is simply not worth it! The Contemporary English Version of the Bible translates Proverbs 10:9 this way: “You will be safe, if you always do right, but you will get caught, if you are dishonest.”

When people are in difficult situations, it may feel like lying is the best or only way out. However, if you give in, you will eventually get caught. People often find themselves telling more lies due to one initial lie—remember the web example. This does not end well!

(6) What are the ultimate consequences of lying? Psalms 5:6; 31:18; 55:21, 23; 63:11; 101:7; Proverbs 19:5, 9; 20:17; Revelation 21:8, 27.

The Bible is clear about what will eventually happen to those who deceive and lie as a way of life. You will be confronted with situations, whether at school, work or just around your friends, where you will be tempted to adjust the facts to your favor. When you are tempted, recall these sobering scriptures. They will give you the motivation you need to overcome that temptation.

(7) Do we lie with only our words? What about our actions? I John 1:5-6; 2:4; 4:20.

As a teen in the Church, it could be easy to say you know God. Set apart from this world (I Cor. 7:14), you have access to the truth and the ability to understand it through the Holy Spirit working with you. But by only obeying God outwardly and not changing your inward thoughts, you could be in danger of lying.

Do not misunderstand—obeying God through your actions is certainly important. Each time you attend Sabbath Services, give a Holy Day offering, refuse the clam chowder at school lunch or follow God’s commands in other ways, these behaviors demonstrate faith in His way of life. But be sure it does not stop there.

Sometimes we need to first apply a behavior before we can truly understand why we are doing it. But these outward displays should not be the extent of your Christianity. As you obey God, dig into the Bible and the Church’s literature to learn why we do or do not do certain things. Do not allow this lifestyle to be a glib routine you follow out of obligation because your parents or minister says so. This could, over time, invite a grudging, resentful mindset, which must be avoided.

If we develop a negative attitude towards God’s way of life and allow it to fester, we are in danger of our outward obedience becoming a lie.

Our outward actions should reflect pure inward thoughts and motives. Isaiah wrote, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon” (55:7).

(8) What does the Bible say about listening to lies? Exodus 23:1; Proverbs 17:4.

“Raise a false report” in Exodus 23:1 can also mean to receive a false report.

Ask yourself: What do you listen to? Do you seek out gossip? Do you find yourself drawn to opinion masquerading as news? Are you listening to music with falsehoods in its lyrics? Watching TV shows or movies that are dominated by false messages? How are you using social media?

According to God’s Word, it is not just wrong to tell lies—it is also wrong to listen to them. Be sure you do neither!

While you of course cannot completely avoid encountering lies in your everyday life, the important thing is to avoid listening to lies as a habit or taking pleasure in hearing them.

(9) What is one of the greatest reasons people feel forced to lie? Genesis 18:15; 26:7.

There are many biblical accounts of people lying out of fear. A variety of other scriptures could be cited as examples. Even those who were following God’s Way sometimes made this mistake.

Times will come when you feel that the best, or only, way out is to tell a little lie. Remember, however, that your heart is deceitful above all things (Jer. 17:9) and that Satan, the father of lies, will make you feel that lying is the best option. When in a fearful situation, remember I John 4:18: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.” Instead of lying, ask God to guide you into showing “perfect love” in your situation.

We have examined the subject of lying in the Bible in detail. If you have been weaving figurative strands of silk that could become a web of lies, seek God and determine to change. When you make mistakes, admit them. If you are doing something wrong, overcome it instead of trying to cover it up. You only compound your error if you attempt to protect yourself with lies. If a lie seems to bring success, this is only short-term—ultimately, you will be caught. God always knows if you are lying.

Yet remember that we are all still in the flesh. No one is perfect, even in God’s Church—adults included. No matter how careful you are, there will likely be occasions when you still slip and catch yourself telling a lie. The important thing is to course correct as soon as you realize it and avoid lies becoming part of your character.

The opposite of lying is telling the truth. Honesty is the best policy. Sometimes this can hurt, especially when you know you have done something inappropriate or wrong. But that feeling is only temporary.

David prayed, “Lead me in Your truth, and teach me: for You are the God of my salvation; on You do I wait all the day” (Psa. 25:5). He knew this did not come naturally to him and that he sorely needed God’s help to walk in truth. You can pray to God and ask the same.

Jesus prayed this to the Father: “Sanctify them through Your truth: Your word is truth” (John 17:17). Christians are sanctified by the truth. God’s Word—the Bible—is the infallible source of truth we are to live by.

Deuteronomy describes God’s character this way: “He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He” (32:4). Truth is inherent in who God is.

The more you emulate God, the more you will develop a love of the truth—both the truth of the Bible and truth in your life in general. He is ready and eager to lead you in this pursuit.

By shunning lies and telling the truth, you are following God’s Way, keeping one of His Ten Commandments and building holy, righteous character.