"Lying Lips are an Abomination to the LORD"

Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. Proverbs 12:22

Our Master has a strict honor code. From Genesis to Revelation, the theme is the same: God loves the truth and hates deceit. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Paul lists the type of people who will not inherit the kingdom of God. His hit-list is a ragged assortment of those who sin sexually, worship idols, take part in adultery, sell their bodies, get drunk, rob people, and--there it is--lie to others.
Such harshness may surprise you. You mean my fibbing, half-truths, exaggerations, and white lies stir the same heavenly anger as adultery and aggravated assault? Apparently so....

Why the hard line? Why the tough stance?

For one reason: dishonesty is absolutely contrary to the character of God.

He is --holy --holy --holy.