The Bible is not explicit about why lying is wrong, but there are a few passages that may shed some light on the matter. For example, in Exodus 20:16, God says "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." This may be one of the earliest mentions of the prohibition against lying. One reason why lying is wrong may be because it undermines trust and relationships. When people can't trust each other, society breaks down. Lying also has practical consequences, such as causing misunderstandings and havoc in businesses and other organizations. Finally, lying often hurts the liar more than anyone else. Liars have to live with the guilt of their actions, and they often get caught in their lies.