Proverbs 12:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

He that speaketh {H6315} truth {H530} sheweth forth {H5046} righteousness {H6664}: but a false {H8267} witness {H5707} deceit {H4820}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He who tells the truth furthers justice, but a false witness furthers deceit.

Berean Standard Bible

He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit.

American Standard Version

He that uttereth truth showeth forth righteousness; But a false witness, deceit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 12:17 profoundly contrasts the moral outcomes of truthful and deceitful speech, particularly in the context of testimony. It asserts that an individual who speaks truth actively demonstrates righteousness, thereby upholding justice and integrity. Conversely, a false witness inherently produces and embodies deceit, leading to perversion and injustice, highlighting the profound moral weight and societal impact of one's words.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This proverb is situated within the "Solomonic collections" (Proverbs 10:1-22:16), a large body of antithetical proverbs that typically contrast two opposing ways of living or types of individuals. These sayings are short, memorable, and designed to impart practical wisdom for navigating life in a manner pleasing to God. The immediate context of Proverbs 12 frequently addresses themes of righteousness versus wickedness, the value of diligent labor, and the power of the tongue. Verses like [Proverbs 12:13](/proverbs/12-13 "Proverbs 12:13 - The Snare of Transgression") and [Proverbs 12:19](/proverbs/12-19 "Proverbs 12:19 - The Lip of Truth Endures") further emphasize the lasting consequences of words, making Proverbs 12:17 a central statement on the moral implications of verbal communication, especially in formal settings like legal proceedings.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the concept of witness and testimony was foundational to the legal and social structure. Justice was often administered at the city gate, where elders and judges would hear cases, and the integrity of witnesses was paramount. False witness was a grave offense, directly violating the Ninth Commandment ([Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment")) and carrying severe penalties, including suffering the very punishment intended for the accused ([Deuteronomy 19:18-19](/deuteronomy/19-18 "Deuteronomy 19:18-19 - Punishment for False Witness")). Beyond the courtroom, truthfulness in daily interaction was crucial for maintaining social trust and community cohesion. The proverb reflects a society where reputation was tied to integrity and where words had tangible, often life-altering, consequences.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 12:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores the **power and consequence of the tongue**, a recurring motif throughout the book, illustrating how words can either build up or tear down, bring life or death ([Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Death and Life in the Power of the Tongue")). Secondly, it highlights the **intrinsic link between speech and character**, demonstrating that one's words are a direct reflection of their inner moral state. Speaking truth reveals an inner commitment to **righteousness (tsedeq)**, while deception exposes a heart inclined towards **wickedness (resha)**. Finally, the proverb speaks to the pursuit of **justice and social order**, emphasizing that a society built on truth-telling flourishes, while one riddled with deceit inevitably descends into chaos and injustice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **truth (Hebrew, _ʼĕmûwnâh'_):** This term signifies firmness, security, and morally, fidelity. It speaks to a steadfast adherence to reality and a trustworthiness in character. In this context, it refers to factual accuracy and moral integrity in speech, indicating not just what is factually correct, but what is reliable and trustworthy.
* **sheweth forth (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** A primitive root meaning to front, stand boldly out, or to manifest. It implies a public declaration or exposition, often with the sense of making something known clearly and distinctly. Here, it conveys that speaking truth is not merely an internal state but an active, visible demonstration of righteousness, bringing it into the open for all to see.
* **deceit (Hebrew, _mirmâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning to deceive, this word denotes fraud, craftiness, and treachery. It describes the inherent nature and outcome of false witness, which is designed to mislead, betray trust, and pervert justice, resulting in an outcome that is fundamentally crooked and dishonest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness":** This clause establishes a direct and positive correlation between honest speech and the public manifestation of moral uprightness. To speak truth is to actively demonstrate one's adherence to justice, integrity, and God's moral standards, revealing a character that is aligned with what is right and just. The act of speaking truth is presented as a visible, outward expression of an inward commitment to righteousness.
* **"but a false witness deceit."**: In stark contrast, this clause highlights the inherent nature and consequence of bearing false witness. A witness who speaks falsely does not merely err but actively produces and embodies deceit. Their testimony is intrinsically fraudulent, designed to mislead and betray. The outcome of such a witness's words is not merely an untruth, but the very essence of treachery and misdirection, undermining trust and perverting justice.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 12:17 primarily employs **Antithetical Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew wisdom literature. This device presents two contrasting ideas or statements, where the second line provides an opposite or contrasting perspective to the first. Here, the positive outcome of truth-telling ("sheweth forth righteousness") is set in stark opposition to the negative consequence of false witness ("deceit"). This contrast vividly highlights the moral choice and its inevitable results. Additionally, there is an element of **Metonymy**, where "righteousness" and "deceit" stand for the *results* or *products* of the actions described. The speaker of truth doesn't just *possess* righteousness, but *produces* or *reveals* it through their words, while the false witness *produces* or *embodies* deceit. The verse also uses **Personification** subtly, as "deceit" is almost presented as the active output of the false witness, as if it were a tangible entity they bring forth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply embeds the act of speaking truth within the broader theological framework of God's character and His desire for justice. God Himself is the ultimate standard of truth and righteousness, and His people are called to reflect His nature in their words and deeds. Speaking truth is not merely a social nicety but an act of worship and obedience, aligning human conduct with divine principles. Conversely, false witness is a direct affront to God's character, as it seeks to pervert justice, harm the innocent, and introduce chaos where God intends order. The proverb thus elevates truth-telling from a mere ethical guideline to a theological imperative, essential for both individual integrity and communal well-being.

* [Psalm 15:2](/psalms/15-2 "Psalm 15:2 - The One Who Walks Blamelessly")
* [Exodus 23:1](/exodus/23-1 "Exodus 23:1 - Do Not Spread False Reports")
* [Proverbs 19:9](/proverbs/19-9 "Proverbs 19:9 - A False Witness Will Perish")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 12:17 serves as a profound call to integrity in all our communications, extending far beyond the courtroom. It challenges us to consider the moral weight of every word we utter, recognizing that our speech is a powerful indicator of our character and has tangible consequences for those around us. In a world saturated with misinformation and casual falsehoods, this proverb urges us to be intentional truth-tellers, committed to accuracy, honesty, and transparency. This means actively resisting the temptation to exaggerate, gossip, or misrepresent facts, even when it might seem convenient or advantageous. By choosing to speak truth, we contribute to a culture of trust and justice, reflecting God's own righteous character and building up our communities. Our words, therefore, are not neutral; they are instruments through which we either manifest righteousness or propagate deceit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to speak less than the full truth, and what are the potential consequences of such speech?**
* **How does consistently speaking truth, even when difficult, build trust and demonstrate righteousness in your relationships?**
* **Beyond formal testimony, how can you actively "show forth righteousness" through your everyday communication?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "sheweth forth righteousness" in this proverb?**

Answer: The phrase "sheweth forth righteousness" (Hebrew: _nâgad tsedeq_) signifies more than just possessing righteousness; it means actively demonstrating, manifesting, or making righteousness visible and known through one's actions, specifically through truthful speech. In ancient Israel, righteousness (_tsedeq_) was not merely an internal moral state but also a commitment to acting justly and upholding what is right in the community. Therefore, when one speaks truth, especially in a context where testimony or declaration is required, they are publicly enacting and revealing their alignment with justice and moral integrity. This contrasts sharply with the hidden, deceptive nature of falsehood, which seeks to obscure or pervert truth. It implies that truthful speech is a powerful, public witness to one's upright character and commitment to divine standards, thereby contributing to a just society, as seen in passages like [Psalm 15:2](/psalms/15-2 "Psalm 15:2 - The One Who Walks Blamelessly") which speaks of one who "speaks truth in his heart."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 12:17 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of truth and righteousness. Unlike any human, Jesus perfectly "spoke truth" in every word and deed, consistently "showing forth righteousness" throughout His earthly ministry. He declared, "I am the way, the **truth**, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), identifying Himself as the very essence of reality and fidelity. His testimony concerning the Father and the Kingdom was always pure and without guile, even when it led to His suffering. Conversely, Jesus exposed the "false witness" of Satan, whom He called "a liar and the father of lies" ([John 8:44](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - The Father of Lies")), and the deceitful accusations leveled against Himself by those who bore false witness at His trial ([Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")). His sinless life was a perfect demonstration of righteousness ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinless Life")), and His sacrificial death on the cross was the ultimate act of justice, making it possible for humanity to be declared righteous before God. Thus, Jesus is not only the speaker of truth but the Truth incarnate, whose entire being "shews forth righteousness," and who will return as the "Faithful and True" witness ([Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - The Faithful and True Witness")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 14:5

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

Proverbs 14:25

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

Proverbs 24:28

¶ Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive [not] with thy lips.

Proverbs 6:19

A false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Proverbs 19:5

¶ A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaketh lies shall not escape.

Matthew 15:19

For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

Proverbs 19:28

¶ An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.