Proverbs 14:25

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

A true {H571} witness {H5707} delivereth {H5337} souls {H5315}: but a deceitful {H4820} witness speaketh {H6315} lies {H3577}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A truthful witness saves lives, but a liar misdirects [judgment].

Berean Standard Bible

A truthful witness saves lives, but one who utters lies is deceitful.

American Standard Version

A true witness delivereth souls; But he that uttereth lies causeth deceit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 14:25 sharply delineates the profound, life-affirming impact of truth from the destructive consequences of falsehood, particularly within the context of testimony. It asserts that an honest witness brings about deliverance and the preservation of life, while a deceptive one disseminates lies, leading to injustice, ruin, and harm. This proverb powerfully underscores the immense moral weight inherent in human speech and the imperative for unwavering integrity in all forms of communication, highlighting how words possess the transformative power to either uphold justice and foster well-being or sow chaos and inflict deep harm.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 14 is a rich collection of wisdom sayings, characteristic of the Solomonic corpus, offering practical guidance for righteous living and discerning folly. This chapter, like much of the book, frequently employs **antithetical parallelism**, juxtaposing contrasting ideas to illuminate moral truths. Verse 25 stands as a quintessential example of this device, directly contrasting the "true witness" with the "deceitful witness" and their respective outcomes. It is situated among proverbs that speak to the value of wisdom and the dangers of foolishness (e.g., [Proverbs 14:24](/proverbs/14-24 "Proverbs 14:24 - Wisdom's Crown and Folly's Lot") on the wise's crown and the fool's folly) and precedes those discussing the king's favor and the wrath of a ruler (e.g., [Proverbs 14:35](/proverbs/14-35 "Proverbs 14:35 - King's Favor and Wrath")). The immediate literary flow reinforces the societal implications of individual actions, particularly concerning the ethical use of speech and its profound impact on justice and communal well-being.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the legal system was heavily reliant on the oral testimony of witnesses, as sophisticated forensic methods were non-existent. The spoken word therefore carried immense weight in determining guilt or innocence, often with life-or-death implications. The Mosaic Law contained stringent provisions regarding witnesses, emphasizing the requirement for multiple witnesses to establish a charge and prescribing severe penalties for bearing false witness (e.g., [Deuteronomy 19:15-21](/deuteronomy/19-15-21 "Deuteronomy 19:15-21 - Law Concerning Witnesses")). This cultural and legal emphasis on the veracity of testimony underscores the gravity of Proverbs 14:25. Furthermore, truthfulness was not merely a legal or social requirement but a foundational pillar of communal trust, covenant faithfulness, and a reflection of God's own character as one who is inherently true and just.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 14:25 significantly contributes to several overarching themes pervasive throughout the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights the **power of speech**, a recurring motif in wisdom literature, emphasizing that words are not neutral but possess the capacity to build up or tear down, to save or to destroy (e.g., [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - The Power of Life and Death in the Tongue")). Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **justice and righteousness**, depicting how truthful testimony upholds the integrity of the legal system and promotes societal flourishing, while deceit fundamentally undermines it, leading to societal decay. This aligns with the broader call for ethical conduct in all spheres of life, particularly in public and legal matters (e.g., [Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - Dishonest Scales Are an Abomination")). Finally, the proverb touches on the profound theme of **life and death**, not merely in a physical sense but also in terms of reputation, social standing, and spiritual well-being. A true witness preserves "souls" (lives), while a deceitful one brings about a form of death, ruin, or condemnation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **True (Hebrew, _ʼemeth'_):** From H571, this word signifies stability, certainty, truth, and trustworthiness. In the context of "a true witness," it denotes not merely factual accuracy but also reliability, integrity, and faithfulness of character. It implies a person whose very being is aligned with truth, making their testimony dependable and firm, rooted in an unshakeable reality.
* **Delivereth (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_):** From H5337, this primitive root means "to snatch away," "defend," "deliver (self)," "escape," "preserve," "recover," or "rescue." The active sense here implies a deliberate, powerful act of saving someone from peril, danger, or destruction. It conveys a decisive intervention that brings about freedom, safety, or liberation from an impending threat.
* **Lies (Hebrew, _kâzâb'_):** From H3577, this word refers to falsehood, untruth, or deceit. It can also figuratively refer to an idol, implying something empty, vain, or ultimately disappointing. Here, it stands in stark opposition to "truth," highlighting the inherently deceptive, unreliable, and ultimately destructive nature of the witness's testimony. It points to a fundamental distortion of reality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A true witness delivereth souls:"** This clause establishes the profoundly positive and life-affirming power of integrity in testimony. A witness whose character is marked by "truth" (ʼemeth), signifying reliability and faithfulness, actively "delivers" (nâtsal) or rescues "souls" (nephesh), meaning lives or persons. This deliverance can manifest as salvation from legal condemnation, physical harm, or any form of ruin that false testimony might otherwise inflict. It speaks to the immense societal and personal benefit derived from honest communication and unwavering integrity, literally preserving the existence and well-being of individuals.
* **"but a deceitful [witness] speaketh lies."** This contrasting clause highlights the destructive and corrupting nature of dishonesty. The "deceitful" witness (implied by the Hebrew structure, referring back to the "witness") does not merely err but intentionally "speaks" (pûwach, implying to utter or puff out) "lies" (kâzâb), which are deliberate falsehoods. This act of intentional deception leads to the perversion of justice, the harming of the innocent, and ultimately, the erosion of trust and order within the community. The contrast is stark: truth brings life and preservation, while lies bring ruin and destruction.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Proverbs 14:25 is **Antithetical Parallelism**. This structure presents two contrasting ideas or statements, one affirming and the other negating, to powerfully highlight a moral truth. Here, the life-saving action of the "true witness" is set in direct opposition to the destructive lies spoken by the "deceitful witness." This sharp contrast effectively emphasizes the profound difference in outcomes between truth and falsehood. Additionally, there is a subtle use of **Synecdoche** where "souls" (nephesh) stands for the entire person or their life, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the deliverance offered by truth. The proverb also employs a form of **Personification** in attributing the active role of "delivering souls" to the witness, underscoring the vital agency of human integrity in upholding justice and preserving life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 14:25 deeply resonates with the biblical emphasis on God's character as the ultimate source of truth and the call for His people to reflect that truth in their own lives. God is consistently portrayed throughout Scripture as a God of truth and faithfulness, whose word is utterly reliable and whose judgments are perfectly just. Therefore, the act of speaking truth, especially in matters of justice and public testimony, is not merely a social virtue but an imitation of the divine character and a participation in God's ongoing work of upholding righteousness and order in the world. Conversely, lies are intrinsically associated with the kingdom of darkness, originating from the "father of lies" ([John 8:44](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - The Devil, Father of Lies")), and are thus an affront to God's holy nature. This proverb elevates truthfulness from a mere social convention to a profound theological imperative, directly linking human integrity to divine order and the preservation of life itself.

* [Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment")
* [Psalm 15:1-2](/psalm/15-1-2 "Psalm 15:1-2 - Who May Dwell on Your Holy Hill?")
* [Zechariah 8:16](/zechariah/8-16 "Zechariah 8:16 - God's Call to Truth and Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 14:25 challenges us to deeply consider the profound weight and far-reaching consequences of our words. While the immediate context is legal, its principle extends to every sphere of life. In our personal relationships, our professional environments, and our broader communities, our unwavering commitment to truthfulness builds trust, fosters genuine connection, and promotes justice. Conversely, even seemingly small deceptions or evasions erode credibility, sow suspicion, and can lead to significant harm, both for the deceiver and the deceived. This proverb calls us to cultivate a character of deep integrity, where our words are consistently aligned with reality and our intentions are pure. It reminds us that speaking truth, even when it is difficult, unpopular, or costly, is an act of profound love and a pathway to life, not only for others but for our own souls as well. It urges us to be courageous agents of truth in a world often saturated with misinformation, recognizing that our testimony—whether formal or informal—possesses the inherent power to deliver or to destroy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to speak the unvarnished truth, especially when it might be uncomfortable?**
* **How has a "true witness" in your life (someone who spoke truth to you or on your behalf) "delivered" you from a difficult situation, misunderstanding, or false perception?**
* **What are the long-term consequences, both personal and communal, of tolerating or actively participating in deceitful communication, even in seemingly minor ways?**
* **How can you intentionally practice being a "true witness" in your daily interactions, recognizing the profound impact your words have on others' lives?**

### FAQ

**What does "delivereth souls" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Delivereth souls" (Hebrew: *nâtsal nephesh*) means to rescue or save lives, persons, or their very existence from peril. In the legal context of the proverb, it refers to saving someone from false accusation, legal condemnation, or even physical death that could result from a wrongful verdict. Beyond the legal, it extends to preserving a person's reputation, well-being, or spiritual state from the destructive effects of lies and injustice. It emphasizes the life-giving, preserving power of truth and integrity in communication.

**Is this proverb only about legal testimony?**

Answer: While the proverb's original context is deeply rooted in the ancient Israelite legal system and the crucial role of witnesses, its profound wisdom extends far beyond the courtroom. The principles of truthfulness and the destructive nature of deceit apply to all forms of communication and relationships. Whether in personal conversations, business dealings, or public discourse, a "true witness" upholds integrity and fosters well-being, while a "deceitful witness" sows discord and brings harm. The book of Proverbs frequently uses specific, concrete examples to illustrate universal and timeless principles of wisdom for daily living, as seen in its broader teachings on the [power of the tongue](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - The Power of Life and Death in the Tongue").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 14:25 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the quintessential "true witness" and the very embodiment of Truth itself. John's Gospel powerfully declares that Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), leaving no doubt about His identity. He came into the world specifically to "bear witness to the truth" ([John 18:37](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus' Kingdom and Truth")), not merely through His spoken words but through His perfect life, His actions, and His very being. Unlike any deceitful witness who speaks lies, Jesus spoke only what He heard from the Father, and His testimony was always faithful, reliable, and true, without any shadow of turning. Through His perfect obedience, His sacrificial death on the cross, and His victorious resurrection, Jesus "delivered souls" in the most profound and eternal sense, rescuing humanity from the bondage of sin and death, which are the ultimate lies and consequences of the enemy's deception. His truth sets us truly free ([John 8:32](/john/8-32 "John 8:32 - The Truth Will Set You Free")), and by believing in Him, we receive eternal life, a deliverance far greater and more comprehensive than any earthly salvation. Thus, Jesus stands as the True Witness whose testimony of God's boundless love and saving grace delivers all who trust in Him from eternal ruin and brings them into everlasting life.

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.

1 Timothy 4:1

¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

1 Timothy 4:3

Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

2 Peter 3:3

¶ Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

Acts 26:16

But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

Acts 26:20

But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and [then] to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Acts 20:26

Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I [am] pure from the blood of all [men].