Proverbs 19:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.

NIV: A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.

NASB: A false witness will not go unpunished, And one who declares lies will not escape.

CSB: A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.

NLT: A false witness will not go unpunished, nor will a liar escape.

KJV: A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

NKJV: A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies will not escape.

As a man known for wisdom and discernment, Solomon was accustomed to trying court cases. Part of that process included deciding whether a witness was truthful or lying. In the legal sense, Solomon's warning is very literal. In modern terminology, lying to an official court is called "perjury," and it is treated as a crime in and of itself. However, the principle applies generally to anyone who slanders another and tells lies: sooner or later, consequences will come. As a later proverb notes, those results can be dire (Proverbs 19:9).

Galatians 6:7 affirms this truth by stating, "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatsoever one sows, that will he also reap." Listed in the Ten Commandments is the command, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16). A false witness may get away with lies, at first. That might even include perjury in a human court. And yet, someday the liar will be judged in the court of heaven. Jesus said, "The evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (Matthew 12:35–37).

Proverbs 19:1–7 includes references that contrast the value of integrity with that of earthly wealth. To be moral is more honorable, and more valuable, than to be rich. At the same time, the world has an unfortunate habit of fawning over the rich, while sneering at the poor. True friends are those who remain loyal even when money is gone. Those who are immoral should expect consequences. Yet fools often blame God when they suffer for their own choices.

Several themes are associated with these statements. Among them are the idea that personal integrity is worth much more than earthly wealth or success. Solomon discusses the unfortunate habit of favoring the rich and dismissing the poor, while commending those who care for the unfortunate. Many references are made to the consequences of foolish behavior, including the shame and punishment such things can bring.

This series of proverbs is part of Solomon's writing on wisdom (Proverbs 10:1), a long chain continuing into chapter 22. As do other segments, this speaks on the harsh realities of poverty, the need for integrity, the dangers of laziness, the value of loving discipline, and the consequences of acting foolishly.

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.