A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.

PROVERBS 14:25KJV
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Proverbs 14:25 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 14:25 mean?

Proverbs 14:25 teaches that someone who tells the truth can rescue people from harm, while someone who lies puts others in danger by spreading falsehoods. The verse highlights the real difference a truthful or dishonest witness can make in serious situations.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings in the book of Proverbs, traditionally attributed to Solomon and meant for anyone seeking practical wisdom. In the ancient world, a "witness" often referred to someone giving testimony in legal or community matters, where a true statement could save lives or reputations, and a lie could cause great harm.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 14:25

  • "True" (אֱמוּנָה, 'emunah): This word means faithful, reliable, or trustworthy. The verse is not just about factual accuracy but about someone who can be counted on to tell what really happened.
  • "Delivereth" (נָצַל, natsal): This word means to rescue or save. The verse pictures a truthful witness as someone who actively protects others, not just someone who avoids lying.
  • "Souls" (נֶפֶשׁ, nefesh): This word can mean "lives" or "persons," suggesting that the stakes are high—truthfulness can literally save lives, not just reputations.
  • "Deceitful" (מִרְמָה, mirmah): This word refers to someone who is treacherous or intentionally misleading, emphasizing the active harm caused by false testimony.

Why Proverbs 14:25 matters

  • Proverbs 14:25 makes clear that honesty is not just a private virtue but has real consequences for the safety and well-being of others, especially in matters of justice.
  • The verse warns that lying is not a harmless act; it can endanger lives and destroy trust in a community.
  • By connecting truth-telling with deliverance, Proverbs 14:25 highlights the responsibility each person has to speak honestly, especially when others are at risk.

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 14:5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter 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.

“lies” Hebrew H3577 · used in 31 verses

  • Judges 16:10 And Delilah said unto Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound.
  • Proverbs 19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
  • Ezekiel 13:8 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD.

“deceitful” 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.

“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.