You asked

what does the bible say about propaganda and the stories power tells?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Psalm 12:2-4

“They speak falsehood every one with his neighbor. With flattering lips, and with a double heart, they speak. May Yahweh cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaks proud things; who have said, “With our tongue we will prevail. Our lips are our own. Who is lord over us?””

This psalm is a lament, likely from King David, expressing distress over widespread deceit and godlessness in society. It highlights a common ancient Near Eastern concern with trustworthy speech in a community.

What responsibility might we have to discern and challenge narratives that promote self-serving power through deception?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Proverbs 6:16-19
Lists 'a lying tongue' and 'a false witness who utters lies' among things hateful to God, highlighting speech's moral weight.
Jeremiah 23:25-27
God confronts false prophets who 'prophesy lies in my name,' deceiving the people through their fabricated stories.
Matthew 7:15-20
Jesus warns about 'false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing,' emphasizing the need to discern by their 'fruits.'

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