The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

PROVERBS 12:19KJV
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Proverbs 12:19 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 12:19 mean?

Proverbs 12:19 says that truthful words last and stand firm, but lies are short-lived and quickly fade away. The verse contrasts the lasting value of honesty with the temporary nature of deceit.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, directed to anyone seeking to live wisely. The verse uses the image of speech—truthful lips versus a lying tongue—to highlight that honesty builds a lasting foundation, while lies may bring quick results but do not endure.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 12:19

  • "truth" (אֱמֶת, ’emet): This word means firmness, reliability, or faithfulness. In this verse, it emphasizes that truthful speech is solid and dependable.
  • "established" (כּוּן, kun): This word means to be made firm or to be set up securely. The verse uses it to show that truth is not just momentarily right but is firmly rooted and lasting.
  • "moment" (רֶגַע, rega‘): This word means a brief instant or a short time. The proverb stresses that lies may have a momentary effect but quickly disappear.

Why Proverbs 12:19 matters

  • Proverbs 12:19 clears up the idea that lies can be a lasting solution; it insists that only truth has staying power.
  • The verse highlights a key theme in Proverbs: the long-term benefits of integrity versus the fleeting gains of dishonesty.
  • This proverb helps the reader see that wisdom is not just about cleverness but about building a life on what endures—truth.

Where else these words appear

“moment” Hebrew H7280 · used in 13 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:65 And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the LORD shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind:
  • Isaiah 51:4 Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people.
  • Jeremiah 47:6 O thou sword of the LORD, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.

“ever” Hebrew H5703 · used in 49 verses

  • Exodus 15:18 The LORD shall reign for ever and ever.
  • Psalms 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
  • Psalms 145:2 Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.

“lying” Hebrew H8267 · used in 109 verses

  • Exodus 5:9 Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.
  • Psalms 144:8 Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
  • Jeremiah 8:8 How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.

“tongue” Hebrew H3956 · used in 115 verses

  • Genesis 10:5 By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.
  • Psalms 39:3 My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,
  • Proverbs 25:23 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.