Proverbs 12:19

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

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}.

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

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

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

Proverbs 12:19 presents a powerful contrast between the enduring nature of truth and the fleeting existence of falsehood, emphasizing the ultimate triumph of honesty.

Context

This verse is found within the book of Proverbs, a collection of wisdom literature that offers practical guidance for living a righteous and discerning life. Chapter 12, in particular, frequently contrasts the characteristics and outcomes of the righteous versus the wicked, highlighting the moral consequences of one's words and actions. This specific proverb underscores the inherent stability of truth and the inevitable downfall of deception in God's ordered world.

Key Themes

  • The Permanence of Truth: The phrase "The lip of truth shall be established for ever" speaks to the eternal, unwavering, and reliable nature of truth. It suggests that truth, rooted in God's character, will always prevail and stand firm, regardless of temporary challenges or opposition.
  • The Ephemeral Nature of Lies: In stark contrast, "a lying tongue is but for a moment" illustrates that deception, though it may offer temporary advantage or escape, is inherently unstable and cannot endure. Lies are ultimately exposed and their effects dissipate, leading to eventual discredit and ruin for the deceiver.
  • Divine Vindication: The proverb implicitly points to a moral universe where divine justice ensures that truth is ultimately upheld and falsehood is inevitably revealed and defeated.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "established" (נָכוֹן, nakon) implies something that is firm, secure, prepared, and fixed. This contrasts sharply with the phrase "for a moment" (לָרֶגַע, la'rega'), which literally means "for an instant" or "a wink," vividly portraying the brief, transient nature of deceit. The imagery highlights the profound difference between the lasting impact of honesty and the fleeting, self-defeating nature of falsehood.

Cross-References & Connections

  • This proverb resonates with other scriptures that affirm the lasting power of truth, such as Psalm 119:160, which declares, "Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever."
  • The temporary nature of lies is echoed in Proverbs 19:5, "A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape."
  • The New Testament also emphasizes the enduring nature of God's word and truth over temporary human constructs, as seen in 1 Peter 1:24-25: "All flesh is as grass... but the word of the Lord endureth for ever."

Practical Application

Proverbs 12:19 serves as a powerful encouragement for believers to cultivate a life of integrity and honesty. It teaches that while deception might offer a quick fix or temporary gain, it ultimately leads to ruin and a loss of trust. Living truthfully, even when difficult, builds a foundation of credibility and character that endures. This principle applies to all aspects of life, from personal relationships and business dealings to public discourse. Embracing the truth sets one free and establishes a lasting testimony, reflecting the very character of God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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