Proverbs 13:5

KJV

¶ A righteous [man] hateth lying: but a wicked [man] is loathsome, and cometh to shame.

KJV (with Strong's)

A righteous {H6662} man hateth {H8130} lying {H1697}{H8267}: but a wicked {H7563} man is loathsome {H887}, and cometh to shame {H2659}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A righteous person hates lying, but the wicked is vile and disgraceful.

Berean Standard Bible

The righteous hate falsehood, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.

American Standard Version

A righteous man hateth lying; But a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 13:5 offers a profound moral contrast, delineating the character and consequences of two distinct individuals: the righteous and the wicked. It asserts that a truly righteous person harbors a deep, inherent aversion to falsehood, instinctively recoiling from any form of deceit. Conversely, the wicked individual is characterized by a moral repugnance that makes them detestable, ultimately leading to public disgrace and a life devoid of honor. The verse underscores the foundational importance of truthfulness as a hallmark of integrity and the inevitable shame that accompanies a life of dishonesty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 13:5 is an exemplary instance of the wisdom literature's characteristic **antithetical parallelism**, a pervasive literary device throughout the Book of Proverbs. This verse masterfully juxtaposes two opposing figures—the "righteous man" and the "wicked man"—to illuminate a fundamental moral truth regarding integrity and its outcomes. The structure of the verse, with its clear "but" separating the two clauses, serves to highlight the stark divergence in character and destiny. This particular proverb fits seamlessly within a broader collection of sayings (Proverbs 10-29) that frequently contrast the wise and the foolish, the diligent and the lazy, and, most prominently, the righteous and the wicked, consistently demonstrating that one's moral choices have direct, observable consequences in life. The immediate verses surrounding Proverbs 13 often deal with the themes of speech, wisdom, and the outcomes of one's words and actions, such as the value of prudent speech in [Proverbs 13:3](/proverbs/13-3 "Proverbs 13:3 - Guarding One's Mouth") and the destructive nature of deceit in [Proverbs 12:17](/proverbs/12-17 "Proverbs 12:17 - Truthful Witness").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, truthfulness was not merely a social nicety but a theological imperative, deeply rooted in the character of Yahweh, who is Himself truth ([Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Perfect Character")). Lying, therefore, was not just a breach of trust but an affront to God's nature and a disruptive force within the covenant community. The Law explicitly condemned false witness ([Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment")), and prophets consistently denounced deceit as a sign of spiritual apostasy. In a communal society, reputation and honor were paramount, and an individual's word was their bond. To be labeled "loathsome" or to "come to shame" carried significant social and spiritual weight, implying public disgrace, exclusion, and divine disfavor. The wisdom tradition, embodied in Proverbs, sought to instill these values, guiding individuals toward a life of integrity that would foster communal harmony and divine blessing, contrasting sharply with the societal and spiritual ostracization that awaited the dishonest.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 13:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the wisdom literature. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **Nature of Righteousness**, portraying it not merely as outward conformity but as an internal disposition that genuinely "hateth" falsehood, reflecting a deep moral purity. Secondly, it highlights the **Odiousness of Wickedness**, vividly describing the wicked person as "loathsome," conveying a sense of moral decay and spiritual repugnance that makes them offensive in the sight of God and honorable people. Thirdly, the verse explicitly details the **Consequences of Character**, asserting that a life of deceit inevitably leads to "shame," signifying public humiliation and a loss of honor, contrasting with the implied respect and divine favor that accompany truthfulness. This theme of **Retributive Justice**—where actions yield commensurate outcomes—is a cornerstone of the wisdom tradition, seen throughout Proverbs, such as in [Proverbs 11:3](/proverbs/11-3 "Proverbs 11:3 - Integrity Guides the Upright"). Finally, the verse implicitly emphasizes the **Value of Truth**, presenting it as a non-negotiable virtue that defines godly character and distinguishes the upright from the morally corrupt, a principle echoed in [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are an Abomination").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **righteous (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_):** From H6662, meaning "just; just, lawful, righteous (man)." This term describes an individual whose character and conduct are in conformity with divine standards of justice and morality. It denotes an inner integrity that manifests in outward uprightness, reflecting a right relationship with God and others.
* **hateth (Hebrew, _sânêʼ'_):** From H8130, meaning "to hate (personally); enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly." This is not a casual dislike but a profound, deep-seated emotional and moral aversion. For the righteous, hatred of lying is an integral part of their moral constitution, an instinctive recoil from that which is contrary to truth and God's nature.
* **loathsome (Hebrew, _bâʼash'_):** From H887, meaning "to smell bad; figuratively, to be offensive morally; (make to) be abhorred (had in abomination, loathsome, odious), (cause a, make to) stink(-ing savour), [idiom] utterly." This vivid term conveys a sense of moral putrefaction. The wicked person's character is not merely disliked but is morally repulsive and offensive, like a foul odor, indicating a deep spiritual corruption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A righteous [man] hateth lying:"** This clause establishes the defining characteristic of a righteous individual. Their righteousness is not passive but active, marked by a strong, internal abhorrence for falsehood. "Lying" here encompasses not just spoken untruths but deceit in all its forms—falsehood, treachery, and sham. The righteous person's moral compass is so finely tuned to divine truth that they instinctively reject and despise anything that deviates from it. This hatred is a reflection of their alignment with God's character, who is truth itself.
* **"but a wicked [man] is loathsome,"** This contrasting clause introduces the "wicked man," whose nature is diametrically opposed to the righteous. The term "loathsome" (from _bâʼash_) paints a powerful picture of moral decay. It suggests that the wicked person's character, marked by deceit and unrighteousness, is not merely disagreeable but actively offensive and repulsive, both to God and to those who value truth and integrity. Their actions and very being "stink" morally, alienating them from genuine community and divine favor.
* **"and cometh to shame."** This final clause articulates the inevitable consequence of the wicked person's character and actions. "Shame" (from _châphêr_) implies public disgrace, humiliation, and a loss of honor. Unlike the righteous, whose integrity brings respect and security, the wicked person's deceitful ways ultimately lead to exposure and ignominy. This is a natural outcome of their moral putrefaction, as their hidden deeds are brought to light, resulting in a public reckoning and a life devoid of true honor or lasting peace.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 13:5 is a masterclass in **Antithetical Parallelism**, a foundational literary device in wisdom literature. This technique is evident in the direct contrast between the "righteous man" and the "wicked man," and their respective attitudes and outcomes. The first half of the verse describes the positive attribute of the righteous (hating lying), while the second half describes the negative state and consequence of the wicked (being loathsome and coming to shame). Furthermore, the use of "loathsome" employs **Metaphor** and **Sensory Imagery**, likening the wicked person's moral corruption to a foul odor, appealing to the sense of smell to convey profound disgust and moral repugnance. This vivid imagery underscores the severity of their character. The verse also implicitly uses **Cause and Effect**, where the internal character (righteousness or wickedness) directly leads to external consequences (honor or shame).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 13:5 deeply resonates with the biblical emphasis on truth as a core attribute of God and a fundamental expectation for humanity. The Lord Himself is characterized by truth and faithfulness ([Psalm 33:4](/psalm/33-4 "Psalm 33:4 - The Word of the Lord is Right")), and therefore, those who bear His image are called to reflect this attribute. Lying is consistently depicted as an abomination to God, a direct assault on His character and the fabric of human community. The contrast between the righteous and the wicked, and their respective destinies, underscores the biblical principle of moral accountability and divine justice, where integrity leads to flourishing and deceit to ruin. This proverb serves as a powerful reminder that true righteousness is not merely external conformity but an internal disposition that actively rejects all forms of falsehood, leading to a life of honor and divine favor, while wickedness, particularly dishonesty, leads to moral decay and inevitable shame.

* [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - Seven Abominations to the Lord"): This passage explicitly lists "lying tongue" and "a false witness that speaketh lies" among the seven things the Lord hates, reinforcing the profound theological abhorrence for deceit.
* [Psalm 15:1-2](/psalm/15-1 "Psalm 15:1-2 - Who May Dwell on Your Holy Hill?"): Describes the one who may dwell on God's holy hill as "He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart," directly linking truthfulness to spiritual proximity to God.
* [Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Putting Off Falsehood"): Exhorts believers to "put away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another," highlighting truthfulness as essential for Christian community and unity.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 13:5 challenges us to look beyond superficial actions and examine the true inclinations of our hearts. Do we merely avoid lying out of convenience, fear of consequences, or social pressure, or do we, like the righteous man, possess a deep, visceral "hatred" for falsehood itself? This verse calls us to cultivate an internal moral compass that instinctively recoils from deceit in all its forms—not just blatant lies, but also exaggerations, omissions, half-truths, and even self-deception. Recognizing that dishonesty makes one "loathsome" in the eyes of God and ultimately leads to "shame" should serve as a powerful deterrent. Instead, we are encouraged to pursue an unwavering commitment to truthfulness in our speech, our dealings, and our very character, understanding that a life of integrity, though often challenging, is the path to true honor, peace, and alignment with the divine nature. This commitment fosters trust in relationships, strengthens communities, and ultimately brings glory to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Do I genuinely "hate" lying, or do I tolerate it in myself or others when it serves a perceived benefit?**
* **In what subtle ways might I be tempted to compromise truthfulness in my daily interactions or self-perception?**
* **How does my commitment to truthfulness reflect my relationship with God, who is truth itself?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper love for truth and a stronger aversion to falsehood in my life?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for a wicked man to be "loathsome"?**

Answer: The term "loathsome" (Hebrew _bâʼash_) literally means "to stink" or "to be odious." Figuratively, it conveys a profound sense of moral putrefaction and disgust. It implies that the wicked person's character, marked by deceit and unrighteousness, is not just disagreeable but actively repulsive and offensive, both to God and to those who uphold truth and integrity. It speaks to a deep spiritual corruption that makes one abhorrent, much like a foul odor is physically offensive. This moral repugnance is a direct consequence of their deviation from God's righteous standards and their embrace of falsehood.

**How does "shame" manifest for the wicked man in this context?**

Answer: In the context of Proverbs, "shame" (Hebrew _châphêr_) refers primarily to public disgrace, humiliation, and a loss of honor and reputation. For the wicked man, whose life is characterized by deceit, this shame is the inevitable outcome when their falsehoods are exposed. Unlike the righteous, whose integrity brings respect and security, the wicked person's deceptive ways ultimately lead to public ignominy, a loss of trust, and a life devoid of genuine honor or lasting peace. It signifies a public reckoning where their true character is revealed, resulting in a diminished standing in the community and before God. This is often contrasted with the honor and security promised to those who walk in integrity, as seen in [Proverbs 10:9](/proverbs/10-9 "Proverbs 10:9 - The Path of Integrity").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 13:5, with its stark contrast between the truth-loving righteous and the shame-bound wicked, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "righteous man," not merely hating lying, but embodying truth itself. Jesus 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")), making Him the very standard against which all truth is measured. His life was utterly devoid of deceit or falsehood ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinless Example")), and He consistently exposed the lies and hypocrisy of His adversaries ([Matthew 23:13-36](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Conversely, the "wicked man" who is "loathsome" and "cometh to shame" represents fallen humanity, enslaved to sin and falsehood, ultimately deserving of God's righteous judgment. Yet, in a profound reversal, Christ, though perfectly righteous, became "loathsome" in the eyes of the world, enduring the ultimate shame of the cross ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking Unto Jesus")) to bear the sin and shame of those who believe in Him. Through His sacrifice, He transforms the "loathsome" into the beloved and grants His righteousness to those who were once bound for shame, offering them honor and eternal life in Him ([Romans 5:17](/romans/5-17 "Romans 5:17 - Reigning in Life Through Christ")). Thus, the proverb points to the One who perfectly embodies truth, conquers shame, and offers redemption from the consequences of wickedness.

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

Colossians 3:9

Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

Ephesians 4:25

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Psalms 119:163

¶ I hate and abhor lying: [but] thy law do I love.

Proverbs 3:35

The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

Ezekiel 36:31

Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that [were] not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.

Ezekiel 20:43

And there shall ye remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled; and ye shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that ye have committed.

Proverbs 30:8

Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: