The Human Polygraph

King Solomon writes in the Book of Proverbs: Winking with his eyes, speaking with his feet, teaching with his fingers; perverse thoughts in his heart, he devises evil at all times, he will spread strife. The implication is that to detect deceit in the heart, observe the person's body language.

There are nineteen body language signs that act as the human polygraph.

It should be noted that a single sign does not hold significance; rather, a collection of signs does. The more signs present, the greater the level of deceit, especially when there is a deviation from the normative body language behavior.

1. Placing a hand on the mouth, playing with the lips, or biting lips.

2. The insertion and retraction of the tip of the tongue.

3. Avoiding touch with the body and dodging turning the body towards us, maintaining a large physical distance.

4. Avoiding eye contact often or when the conversation concerns the deceit topic.

5. A lowered or tilted gaze.

6. Long pauses between the question and answer.

7. Clasping and releasing of fingers.

8. Hiding the palms in any way, especially behind the back.

9. An inappropriate smile.

10. Tense neck or raised shoulders.

11. Touching facial parts such as lips, cheeks, neck, nose, mouth, etc.

12. One foot stepping on the other.

13. A finger in the mouth, especially in children.

14. Finger drumming.

15. Restless legs.

16. Eyes focused on a specific object.

17. Holding an object.

18. A knee or other part of the leg crossed while sitting.

19. Eyes focused on a specific object.

Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel says:

The world stands on three things: on judgment, on truth, and on peace,

as it is said (Zechariah 8): Judge truth, justice, and peace in your gates.