Lying, like all sin, is an unfortunate cancer of the human condition (Romans 3:23). It is a close cousin to pride, as they are the two sins no one can claim they never commit. While we may say with a good conscience that we are not guilty of murder or adultery, we must also remember Jesus’s teaching: anyone who is ever angry with their brother or lusts after a woman is guilty of those same sins (Matthew 5:21-22; Matthew 5:27-28).
But pride and lying? There’s no hedging on either of those. We know we’re guilty and therefore have fallen short of what God demands from us (Proverbs 21:4; Proverbs 12:22). As followers of Christ, we should be truthful in all our words (Ephesians 4:25). But why is it so difficult?