Proverbs 12:19

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The lip {H8193} of truth {H571} shall be established {H3559} for ever {H5703}: but a lying {H8267} tongue {H3956} is but for a moment {H7280}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Truthful words will stand forever, lying speech but a moment.

Berean Standard Bible

Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 12:19 profoundly declares the inherent and ultimate stability of truth, asserting that integrity and honest communication are divinely established and possess an enduring quality that transcends time and circumstance. In stark contrast, any form of deception, however seemingly advantageous or effective in the short term, is fundamentally unstable, lacks a lasting foundation, and is destined for swift exposure and collapse. This proverb encapsulates a foundational principle of God's moral universe, where truth is eternally upheld and falsehood is inevitably vanquished.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 12 is a rich collection of wisdom sayings, predominantly structured around antithetical parallelism that contrasts the characteristics and ultimate destinies of the righteous and the wicked. The chapter frequently delves into the profound impact of speech, examining themes such as the value of diligent labor versus idleness ([Proverbs 12:11](/proverbs/12-11 "Proverbs 12:11 - Diligence and Labor")), the wisdom of seeking and giving good counsel ([Proverbs 12:15](/proverbs/12-15 "Proverbs 12:15 - Wisdom of Counsel")), and the destructive consequences of deceitful words ([Proverbs 12:17](/proverbs/12-17 "Proverbs 12:17 - Truthful Witness")). Within this discourse, [Proverbs 12:19](/proverbs/12-19 "Proverbs 12:19 - The Enduring Lip of Truth") serves as a powerful summary statement regarding the enduring nature of truthful speech and the fleeting reality of falsehood. It reinforces the moral framework established throughout the entire [book of Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs"), particularly in its emphasis on the divine order that underpins all human interaction and its consequences.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The wisdom tradition, from which the book of Proverbs emerges, was a significant aspect of ancient Near Eastern cultures, serving as a primary means of transmitting moral, ethical, and practical knowledge across generations. In ancient Israel, truthfulness was not merely a social virtue but a theological imperative, deeply rooted in the very character of Yahweh, who is Himself the God of truth and faithfulness ([Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God, a God of Truth")). In a society where public reputation, legal proceedings, and personal covenants were heavily reliant on the spoken word, the "lip" or "tongue" was understood as the primary instrument reflecting a person's moral integrity and societal standing. Lies could dismantle social trust, pervert justice, and undermine communal harmony, making the consequences of deceit particularly severe in a tightly-knit, community-oriented society. Thus, this proverb speaks not only to individual character but also to the health and stability of the entire community, reinforcing the divine standard for communication.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb significantly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the [book of Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs"). Foremost among these is the **Permanence of Truth** contrasted with the **Ephemeral Nature of Lies**. Truth, being intrinsically linked to God's unchanging nature, is depicted as having an eternal, unshakeable quality, much like the enduring nature of God's Word itself ([Psalm 119:160](/psalms/119-160 "Psalm 119:160 - The Enduring Truth of God's Word")). Conversely, falsehood is portrayed as inherently unstable, lacking substance, and destined to dissipate quickly, often leading to the disgrace and downfall of the deceiver ([Proverbs 19:5](/proverbs/19-5 "Proverbs 19:5 - Consequences of False Witness")). Another crucial theme is **Divine Vindication and Moral Order**. The proverb implicitly asserts that there is an inherent justice embedded within the fabric of the universe, established and maintained by God, which ensures that truth will ultimately be revealed and upheld, while deceit will inevitably be exposed and defeated. This provides a compelling incentive for righteous living and truthful communication, assuring that God's moral order will ultimately prevail.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **established (Hebrew, _kûwn'_):** From H3559, this primitive root signifies "to be erect," "to set up," "to fix," or "to render sure, proper, or prosperous." When applied to the "lip of truth," it conveys a profound sense of permanence, stability, and divine ordination. Truth is not merely transiently present; it is firmly fixed, prepared, and made secure, implying an enduring foundation and a certain, unshakeable reality that stands the test of time.
* **tongue (Hebrew, _lâshôwn'_):** From H3956, this word refers to the physical tongue, used literally as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech. Figuratively, as used here in "a lying tongue," it represents speech itself, language, or the instrument through which falsehood is uttered. The contrast with "lip of truth" highlights that the very organ of speech, when corrupted by deceit, produces something inherently unstable and fleeting, lacking the foundational integrity of truth.
* **moment (Hebrew, _râgaʻ'_):** From H7280, this root means "to toss violently and suddenly," "to wink," or "to find ease." In this context, it denotes an extremely brief, instantaneous duration. The phrase "but for a moment" vividly portrays the sudden, abrupt, and short-lived existence of a lie, suggesting that its impact is fleeting and its eventual demise is swift and inevitable, offering no lasting benefit or security.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The lip of truth shall be established for ever:"** This clause serves as a powerful declaration of the inherent and ultimate stability of truth. "The lip of truth" personifies truthful speech, emphasizing that what is spoken in truth possesses an enduring quality. The verb "shall be established" (from _kûwn_) denotes a firm, secure, and divinely ordained permanence, indicating that truth is not subject to decay or dissolution. The phrase "for ever" (from _ʻad_) underscores the eternal, unwavering nature of truth, suggesting that it will stand the test of time, opposition, and changing circumstances, reflecting God's own enduring character.
* **"but a lying tongue [is] but for a moment."** This clause presents a stark and absolute contrast to the first, highlighting the transient nature of falsehood. "A lying tongue" personifies deceitful speech, emphasizing the instrument of falsehood. The phrase "is but for a moment" (from _râgaʻ_) vividly illustrates the extreme brevity and transience of a lie. Unlike truth, which is established eternally, falsehood has no lasting power or foundation; it is quickly exposed, its effects dissipate, and it ultimately leads to discredit, shame, and ruin for the one who utters it, demonstrating its inherent lack of substance.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 12:19 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound and timeless message. The most prominent is **Antithetical Parallelism**, a hallmark of wisdom literature, which sets the enduring nature of truth against the fleeting existence of falsehood. This juxtaposition serves to highlight the stark moral and theological distinctions between the two concepts, emphasizing their opposing outcomes. **Personification** is also clearly evident, as "the lip of truth" and "a lying tongue" are given agency, speaking and acting as if they are entities themselves. This makes the abstract concepts of truth and lies more tangible and relatable to the reader. The use of "lip" and "tongue" as **Metonyms** for speech further enhances this personification, representing the entirety of one's verbal output. Furthermore, the proverb utilizes **Hyperbole** in the phrases "for ever" and "but for a moment" to dramatically emphasize the vast temporal and qualitative difference between truth's permanence and a lie's brevity. This exaggeration is not meant to be taken literally as infinite versus instantaneous, but rather to underscore the qualitative difference in their enduring power and ultimate, divinely ordained outcomes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the biblical understanding of God's character as fundamentally true, faithful, and unchanging. Since God is the ultimate source of truth, anything aligned with His nature partakes in His eternal quality, while anything contrary to it (like falsehood) is inherently unstable and temporary. The enduring nature of truth in this verse points to the ultimate triumph of God's righteous order over all forms of deception and chaos. It assures believers that despite the temporary success, widespread influence, or deceptive allure of lies, God's truth will ultimately prevail and be vindicated, providing a strong and unshakeable foundation for faith and integrity in a world often saturated with deceit. This principle encourages unwavering commitment to honesty, knowing that it aligns with the very fabric of divine reality.

* [Psalm 119:160](/psalms/119-160 "Psalm 119:160 - The Sum of Your Word Is Truth")
* [Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The Word of Our God Stands Forever")
* [John 8:32](/john/8-32 "John 8:32 - The Truth Will Set You Free")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 12:19 serves as a profound and practical call to cultivate a life marked by unwavering integrity and truthfulness in all our interactions. It reminds us that while a lie might seem to offer a quick escape from uncomfortable consequences, a temporary advantage, or a convenient way to manipulate a situation, its lifespan is inherently limited. Deception, by its very nature, lacks a stable foundation and will inevitably be exposed, leading to a profound loss of trust, damaged relationships, a tarnished reputation, and ultimately, personal discredit. Conversely, choosing to speak and live truthfully, even when it is difficult, costly, or unpopular in the short term, builds a character of unwavering credibility and establishes a lasting legacy of trustworthiness. This principle applies to every sphere of life: our personal relationships, professional dealings, public discourse, social media interactions, and even our internal dialogue and self-perception. Embracing truth aligns us with God's eternal character and ensures that our words and actions contribute to a foundation that will endure, fostering genuine connection and spiritual flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to use a "lying tongue" for temporary gain, and what are the potential long-term consequences of such actions on my character and relationships?**
* **How does understanding the "established for ever" nature of truth encourage me to be more courageous and consistent in speaking truth, even when it is unpopular or challenging?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to ensure that my "lip of truth" is consistently established in my daily interactions, decisions, and even my private thoughts?**

### FAQ
**Why is truth described as being "established for ever" while a lie is "but for a moment"?**

Answer: This vivid contrast highlights the fundamental difference in the inherent nature and ultimate outcome of truth and falsehood. Truth, being rooted in the unchanging character of God, is inherently stable, eternal, and consistent. It reflects reality as God created it, and therefore it endures because God Himself endures. The Hebrew word for "established" (H3559, _kûwn_) implies something that is firm, secure, divinely ordained, and prepared to last. A lie, on the other hand, is a deviation from reality, a distortion of truth, and a product of human or demonic deception. It has no inherent substance or foundation and relies solely on manipulation and ignorance for its temporary existence. Like a structure built on sand, it cannot withstand scrutiny or the passage of time. The phrase "but for a moment" (H7280, _râgaʻ_) emphasizes its fleeting, unstable nature, suggesting that lies are quickly exposed, their effects dissipate, and they inevitably lead to discredit, shame, and ruin for the deceiver. This proverb assures us that in God's moral universe, truth will always ultimately prevail and be vindicated, while falsehood will inevitably collapse under its own weight.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 12:19 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of truth itself. While the proverb speaks of the enduring nature of "the lip of truth," Jesus unequivocally declared, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")." His words are not merely truthful; they are Truth incarnate, possessing an eternal quality that is "established for ever." Unlike the transient words of men, Jesus' words will never pass away, as He Himself affirmed: "[Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away, But My Words Will Not")". The "lying tongue" stands in stark contrast to Christ, finding its ultimate personification in Satan, the ultimate deceiver, who is described by Jesus as "[a liar and the father of lies](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - The Devil, the Father of Lies")". The lies and deceptions propagated by Satan and the world are indeed "but for a moment" in the grand sweep of God's eternal plan. Christ's truth, however, has triumphed decisively over all the lies, deceptions, and destructive power of sin and death through His atoning sacrifice and glorious resurrection, thereby establishing an eternal kingdom founded on righteousness and truth ([Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - The Rider on the White Horse")). Through faith in Him, believers are set free by the truth ([John 8:32](/john/8-32 "John 8:32 - Truth Sets You Free")) and are called to live and speak the truth in love, reflecting the enduring character of their Savior and participating in His eternal victory over falsehood ([Ephesians 4:15](/ephesians/4-15 "Ephesians 4:15 - Speaking Truth in Love")).

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 19:9

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

Psalms 52:4

Thou lovest all devouring words, O [thou] deceitful tongue.

Psalms 52:5

God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of [thy] dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.

Zechariah 1:4

Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and [from] your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the LORD.

Zechariah 1:6

But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.

Job 20:5

That the triumphing of the wicked [is] short, and the joy of the hypocrite [but] for a moment?

Matthew 24:35

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.