He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.

PROVERBS 12:17KJV
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Proverbs 12:17 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 12:17 mean?

Proverbs 12:17 says that someone who speaks truth is showing what is right and just, but someone who gives false testimony is spreading lies and deception. The verse draws a clear line between honest speech, which leads to righteousness, and false witness, which leads to deceit.

In the book of Proverbs, these sayings are often practical advice for daily living, spoken from a wise teacher to those seeking wisdom. Proverbs 12:17 highlights the importance of truthfulness, especially in situations where a person’s words can affect others, such as in giving testimony or sharing information. The verse warns that honesty is not just a private virtue but something that shapes justice and fairness in the community.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 12:17

  • "truth" (אֱמוּנָה, ’emunah): This word means firmness, faithfulness, or reliability. In this verse, it emphasizes that truthful speech is steady and trustworthy, not just technically correct.
  • "righteousness" (צֶדֶק, tsedeq): This word refers to what is right, just, or fair. The verse connects truth-telling directly to justice, showing that honesty is the foundation of a just society.
  • "false" (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer) and "deceit" (מִרְמָה, mirmah): Both words point to intentional dishonesty, but "mirmah" especially suggests trickery or craftiness, not just a simple lie. The verse warns that false testimony is not just wrong but actively deceptive.

Why Proverbs 12:17 matters

  • Proverbs 12:17 clarifies that truth-telling is not just about avoiding lies, but about actively promoting justice and fairness through honest words.
  • The verse warns that false witness is more than a mistake; it is a deliberate act that brings harm and deception into relationships and communities.
  • By linking truth with righteousness and falsehood with deceit, Proverbs 12:17 shows that our words have real moral weight and impact far beyond the moment they are spoken.

Where else these words appear

“speaketh” Hebrew H6315 · used in 14 verses

  • Psalms 10:5 His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them.
  • Proverbs 14:25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
  • Song of Solomon 2:17 Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.

“deceit” Hebrew H4820 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 27:35 And he said, Thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing.
  • Psalms 38:12 They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.
  • Proverbs 20:23 Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.

“truth” Hebrew H530 · used in 49 verses

  • Exodus 17:12 But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
  • Psalms 40:10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
  • Psalms 119:90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.

“witness” Hebrew H5707 · used in 59 verses

  • Genesis 31:44 Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee.
  • Joshua 22:27 But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.
  • Proverbs 19:28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.