Proverbs 13:5 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 13:5 mean?

Proverbs 13:5 says that a person who does what is right cannot stand lies, while someone who does wrong is disgusting to others and ends up disgraced. The verse draws a sharp line between the character of the righteous and the wicked, showing how their attitudes toward truth and dishonesty set them apart.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, meant to teach practical wisdom. The verse uses strong language to highlight how much a righteous person (someone who lives by God’s standards) detests falsehood, while a wicked person’s behavior not only makes them unpleasant to others but also leads to public shame. The focus is on the deep moral divide between loving truth and embracing deceit.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 13:5

• "righteous" (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq): This word refers to someone who is upright, just, or living in alignment with God’s ways. The verse uses it to set the standard for moral behavior.
• "hateth" (שָׂנֵא, sane): This is a strong word for hate, not just mild dislike. It shows that a righteous person has a deep, active rejection of lying, not just a passive avoidance.
• "lying" (דָּבָר, davar; שֶׁקֶר, sheqer): The first word, davar, often means "word" or "matter," but here it is paired with sheqer, which specifically means "falsehood" or "lie." Together, they emphasize not just telling lies, but anything false or deceitful.
• "wicked" (רָשָׁע, rasha): This word describes someone morally wrong or guilty, the opposite of righteous.
• "loathsome" (בָּאַשׁ, ba'ash): This verb means to be foul, to stink, or to be repulsive. It paints a vivid picture of how the wicked are viewed because of their actions.
• "shame" (חָפֵר, chaper): This word means to be put to shame or disgraced, often in a public way. It shows the end result of wickedness.

Why Proverbs 13:5 matters

• Proverbs 13:5 clears up the idea that righteousness is just about outward actions; it shows that true righteousness involves a deep hatred for all forms of dishonesty.
• The verse emphasizes that wickedness is not just a private matter—it affects how a person is seen by others and leads to disgrace.
• This proverb fits into the wider theme of Proverbs, which often contrasts the outcomes of wise, righteous living with those of foolish, wicked choices, helping readers see the long-term consequences of their character.