Proverbs 14:25

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

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

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

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

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

Proverbs 14:25 succinctly contrasts the profound impact of truth versus falsehood, particularly in the context of testimony. It highlights the life-saving potential of a truthful witness and the destructive nature of one who speaks lies. This verse underscores a foundational principle of wisdom literature: words carry immense power, capable of building up or tearing down, delivering justice or inflicting harm.

Context

This proverb fits within the broader collection of Solomon's wisdom, which frequently addresses themes of justice, integrity, and the consequences of one's speech. In ancient Israelite society, the testimony of witnesses was crucial for legal proceedings, determining guilt or innocence, and often, life or death. The book of Proverbs consistently emphasizes the importance of truthfulness in legal and social interactions, recognizing that the stability and righteousness of a community depend heavily on honest communication.

Key Themes

  • The Life-Giving Power of Truth: A "true witness" (Hebrew: ’ed ’emeth) is depicted as someone who literally "delivereth souls" (Hebrew: natsal nephesh). This can refer to saving a person from physical death, legal condemnation, or societal ruin due to false accusations. It also extends to the spiritual realm, where truth can lead to deliverance from spiritual bondage or error.
  • The Destructive Nature of Deceit: Conversely, a "deceitful witness" (associated with Hebrew: sheqer, meaning 'falsehood' or 'lie') brings ruin and injustice. Lies corrupt justice, harm the innocent, and ultimately lead to negative consequences for both the speaker and the community. This aligns with other warnings against bearing false witness found throughout Proverbs.
  • Moral Responsibility of Speech: The verse emphasizes the profound moral weight carried by our words. It calls for integrity and responsibility in all forms of communication, reminding us that our testimony, whether formal or informal, has far-reaching implications.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "delivereth souls" uses the Hebrew word nephesh, which is often translated as 'soul,' but in this context, it carries a broader meaning encompassing 'life,' 'person,' or 'being.' Therefore, a true witness saves a person's very existence or well-being from peril. The contrast is made with sheqer, 'falsehood' or 'deceit,' highlighting the direct opposition between truth and lies.

Practical Application

While originally rooted in legal contexts, the principle of Proverbs 14:25 extends to all areas of life. In our daily interactions, speaking truth builds trust, fosters healthy relationships, and promotes justice. Conversely, dishonesty creates division and can cause significant harm. Spiritually, this verse reminds us of the importance of living by truth and sharing the truth of God's Word, which has the ultimate power to "deliver souls" from spiritual death to eternal life. Our integrity in speech is a powerful testimony to our character and our faith.

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 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].
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