Proverbs 14:5 - Printer Friendly

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

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

NASB: A trustworthy witness will not lie, But a false witness declares lies.

CSB: An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness utters lies.

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

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

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

The statement here closely resembles Proverbs 12:17. The Bible teaches us to be truthful. The book of Proverbs highlights the importance of this concept by frequently contrasting deception and lies from honesty and truth. Most of these references are in the context of legal or courtroom matters: circumstances where deception or dishonesty are obviously disallowed and inexcusable. This provides a subtle contrast to situations like stage acting, sports, games, or war, where there's a tacit expectation of misleading words or actions. The image of a person who "breathes out" lies is the one who is perpetually dishonest, deceptive, or sneaky.

Often the judge in legal disputes, Solomon was keenly aware of the importance of reliable witnesses. Later in this same book, he assures us a false witness will be punished for lying (Proverbs 19:5). He states further that a liar will perish (Proverbs 19:9). In Proverbs 24:28, he urges: "Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips." In Proverbs 25:18 he compares a person who bears false witness against his neighbor to a weapon. Just as these inflict severe harm on a body, so too do lies severely hurt their victim.

Jesus expects His people to bear honest testimony about Him. He told His disciples, "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Paul, one of Jesus' foremost witnesses, told Governor Festus, "Most excellent Festus…I am speaking true and rational words" (Acts 26:25).

Proverbs 14:1–10 continues a long series of short, general-case, common-sense statements of godly wisdom. This section focuses on personal diligence, relationship to the Lord, conversation, witness, prudent behavior, and private emotions. Once again, the spotlight focuses on what is admirable versus that which is disgraceful.

This continues a series of literal "proverbs:" short statements of general-case wisdom. The first ten verses of this chapter contrast positive and negative traits related to work ethic, self-control, and seeking wisdom. Then come several verses contrasting the fate of the righteous with that of the wicked. The rest of this passage provides statements on a broad range of subjects.

Proverbs 14 continues King Solomon's wise sayings. In this chapter he discusses a variety of topics such as wisdom and folly, honesty and dishonesty, righteousness and evil, national security and national disgrace, personal security and destruction, the fear of the Lord, generosity, and wise servanthood. This series of astute comments will continue for several more chapters.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.