Proverbs 14 5

Proverbs 14:5 kjv

A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.

Proverbs 14:5 nkjv

A faithful witness does not lie, But a false witness will utter lies.

Proverbs 14:5 niv

An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.

Proverbs 14:5 esv

A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies.

Proverbs 14:5 nlt

An honest witness does not lie;
a false witness breathes lies.

Proverbs 14 verses

Proverbs 14 5 Meaning

Proverbs 14:5 succinctly contrasts the nature of truth and falsehood embodied in witnesses. A "faithful witness" inherently speaks what is true and reliable, demonstrating a character incapable of deceit. Conversely, a "false witness" has a nature so corrupted that uttering lies comes as effortlessly and continuously as breathing, producing only deception. This proverb highlights that one's words are a direct reflection of their character, especially when testifying to facts.

Proverbs 14 5 Context

Proverbs chapter 14 presents a series of antithetical parallels, vividly contrasting the paths and outcomes of wisdom versus folly, righteousness versus wickedness. The themes encompass integrity, diligence, humility, justice, and the consequences of one's words and actions for both the individual and society. Verse 5 fits directly into this ethical framework, specifically addressing the foundational importance of truthfulness within the legal system and broader interpersonal relations.

Historically, in ancient Israel, bearing witness was a crucial and solemn act, especially within the judicial process. The Mosaic Law gave significant weight to testimony, requiring at least two or three witnesses for a conviction in serious cases (Dt 17:6, 19:15). False witness was considered a grave sin, directly violating the Ninth Commandment, and it could lead to severe penalties, sometimes mirroring the harm intended for the accused (Dt 19:16-19). Therefore, this proverb is not merely a moral observation but a foundational principle for upholding justice, societal order, and the well-being of the community. It stands against the common human failing of dishonesty for personal gain or malice, upholding God's demand for integrity.

Proverbs 14 5 Word analysis

• A faithful witness

  • faithful: Hebrew: 'emunim (אֱמוּנִים), derived from 'aman, meaning firm, trustworthy, steady, reliable, true. It describes something that is established, secure, or constant. This denotes an inherent character quality, not just an occasional act.
  • witness: Hebrew: 'ed (עֵד), a legal or general witness. This term signifies someone who testifies to what they have seen or know.
  • Significance: A "faithful witness" is one whose character is consistently trustworthy, whose testimony is firm and dependable because their being is rooted in truth. Their words reflect their intrinsic reliability.

• does not lie

  • lie: Hebrew: kazav (כָּזָב), to lie, be false, deceive.
  • Significance: This is an emphatic statement. The nature of a faithful witness precludes lying. It implies an internal impossibility; a faithful person cannot bear false witness because it contradicts their very essence and integrity. Their faithfulness governs their speech.

• but a false witness

  • false: Hebrew: shaqer (שָׁקֶר), falsehood, deception, lie. This term signifies that which is inherently deceitful or based on lies.
  • witness: Hebrew: 'ed (עֵד), as above.
  • Significance: A "false witness" is intrinsically linked with deceit. Their testimony is characterized by falsehood because their character is defined by it.

• breathes out lies

  • breathes out: Hebrew: yafiach (יָפִיחַ), from puach, meaning to blow, breathe, puff, utter, speak. The imagery evokes an effortless, natural, and continuous emission, like air from the lungs. It's not a strained or occasional act, but an intrinsic function.
  • lies: Hebrew: k'zavim (כְּזָבִים), plural of kazav (lie).
  • Significance: This strong metaphor powerfully depicts the constant, pervasive, and habitual nature of deceit for a false witness. Lying is not an exception but their default mode of operation; it issues forth as naturally as breath, demonstrating a heart saturated with falsehood. This makes their testimony not merely inaccurate but deliberately deceptive.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "A faithful witness does not lie": This phrase establishes the consistent integrity of the righteous. It highlights that the witness's character ('emunim) dictates their actions (does not lie). Truth is not just something they say, but something they are. It emphasizes the inseparability of one's being and one's words when that being is anchored in fidelity and truth. This forms a foundation for trust in community.

• "but a false witness breathes out lies": This strong contrast vividly illustrates the corrupt nature of the unrighteous. The antithetical parallelism here is profound: where the first person cannot lie, the second only speaks lies, and does so effortlessly and continuously. The imagery of "breathing out" reveals that falsehood is the very atmosphere of the liar's existence and their innate mode of communication. It underlines the danger a false witness poses, not just due to a single lie, but due to a fundamental disposition toward deceit. This creates instability and corruption in society.

Proverbs 14 5 Bonus section

The antithetical parallelism in Proverbs 14:5 is not merely a literary device but a theological statement about character. The contrast between "does not lie" (a firm negation of action based on nature) and "breathes out lies" (a forceful image of constant emission) highlights the totalizing power of either truth or falsehood over an individual's life and words. It suggests that a person becomes defined by their consistent practices—a constant commitment to truth cultivates integrity, while a habitual embrace of falsehood produces inherent deceit. This truth extends beyond courtroom scenarios to all interactions, reinforcing that our communication always bears witness to our character and, ultimately, to what our heart cherishes. The divine standard for truth is absolute; God Himself is truth and detests all forms of deception.

Proverbs 14 5 Commentary

Proverbs 14:5 serves as a foundational declaration on the indispensable nature of truthfulness, particularly in public testimony, but broadly applicable to all communication. It paints two sharply contrasting pictures: the faithful witness, whose words are steadfastly true because truth is interwoven into their very character, making falsehood impossible; and the false witness, for whom lies are an inherent outflow, perpetually issuing forth from a deceitful heart. This proverb emphasizes that honesty is not merely a behavior but a deep-seated disposition of the heart, reflecting one's alignment with divine truth.

For a society to function justly and harmoniously, it relies heavily on honest testimony. This verse underscores the catastrophic impact of deceit, especially when justice is at stake. The person who "breathes out lies" pollutes the atmosphere of truth, perverts justice, and destroys trust. Such a one mirrors the character of the father of lies, as revealed in the New Testament. Conversely, the "faithful witness" contributes to societal health and righteous order, reflecting God's own attribute of truth. Therefore, this proverb calls for an integrity that extends beyond mere outward action, demanding a heart that is faithful to truth itself.

Practical usage:

• When evaluating information or testimony, consider the source's reputation for integrity.
• In all conversations, aim for clarity and honesty, letting your word be your bond.
• Recognize that consistent falsehood can deeply ingrain deceit into one's character.