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

PROVERBS 14:5KJV
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Proverbs 14:5 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 14:5 mean?

Proverbs 14:5 teaches that a person who is trustworthy will not tell lies, but someone who is dishonest will speak falsehoods. The verse draws a clear line between the character of a faithful witness and a false witness, showing that truthfulness and lying are opposite qualities.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, aimed at teaching practical wisdom for daily life. The verse addresses anyone who might be called to give testimony or share information, highlighting the importance of honesty in relationships and community life. It sets up a contrast to help readers recognize the value of truthfulness and the harm caused by deceit.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 14:5

  • The word for "faithful" is אֱמוּנָה (emunah), which means reliable or trustworthy. This word emphasizes not just telling the truth once, but being consistently dependable.
  • "Witness" is עֵד (ed), meaning someone who gives testimony. In ancient Israel, a witness played a crucial role in legal matters, so being truthful was especially important.
  • "Lie" is שֶׁקֶר (sheqer), which refers to something false or deceptive. The verse uses this word to show what a faithful witness refuses to do.
  • "False" is כָּזָב (kazav), which often means something deceptive or untrue. Here, it describes the character of the dishonest witness.
  • "Utter" is יָפִיחַ (yafiach), which means to breathe out or speak. The image is of lies coming naturally from the false witness, as if it is their habit.
  • "Lies" is כָּזָב (kazav) again, reinforcing the idea that the false witness is marked by repeated dishonesty.

Why Proverbs 14:5 matters

  • Proverbs 14:5 clarifies that honesty is not just about isolated actions but is a matter of character—being a "faithful witness" means being reliable in all situations.
  • The proverb helps readers see that lying is not a small flaw but a defining trait of a "false witness," which was a serious offense in ancient legal settings.
  • This verse fits into the larger theme of Proverbs, which often contrasts the way of wisdom (truthfulness) with the way of folly (deceit), encouraging readers to value integrity.

Where else these words appear

“faithful” Hebrew H529 · used in 5 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:20 And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.
  • Proverbs 13:17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
  • Proverbs 20:6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

“utter” 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.

“lies” Hebrew H3576 · used in 16 verses

  • Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
  • Job 41:9 Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him?
  • Isaiah 57:11 And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?

“lie” 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.