Proverbs 14:5

KJV

¶ A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.

KJV (with Strong's)

A faithful {H529} witness {H5707} will not lie {H3577}: but a false {H8267} witness {H5707} will utter {H6315} lies {H3576}.

Complete Jewish Bible

An honest witness will not lie, but a false witness lies with every breath.

Berean Standard Bible

An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies.

American Standard Version

A faithful witness will not lie; But a false witness uttereth lies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 14:5 profoundly articulates a foundational principle of integrity and justice, asserting that one's character irrevocably determines the veracity of their testimony. This proverb draws a stark moral dichotomy between a person whose very being is rooted in truth and trustworthiness, and one whose nature is inherently deceptive. It underscores that a faithful individual, by virtue of their integrity, cannot speak falsehood, whereas a false individual, driven by deceit, will inevitably utter lies. This timeless wisdom highlights the indispensable role of truth in fostering societal trust, upholding justice, and revealing the intrinsic link between inner character and outward expression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 14 is situated within the "Proverbs of Solomon" (Proverbs 10:1-22:16), a section predominantly characterized by **antithetical parallelism**, where contrasting statements illuminate moral truths. This chapter, like much of the book, systematically juxtaposes the characteristics and outcomes of the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. Verses immediately surrounding [Proverbs 14:5](/proverbs/14-5 "Proverbs 14:5 - The Faithful and False Witness") reinforce this overarching theme, addressing the consequences of speech, actions, and choices. For instance, [Proverbs 14:3](/proverbs/14-3 "Proverbs 14:3 - The Mouth of a Fool") speaks of the destructive pride emanating from a fool's mouth, while [Proverbs 14:6](/proverbs/14-6 "Proverbs 14:6 - The Scornful Seeks Wisdom in Vain") notes that a scornful person seeks wisdom in vain. This consistent thematic thread emphasizes the book's central concern with discerning true wisdom and its practical outworking in daily life, particularly in the realm of communication and testimony.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the integrity of a witness was of paramount importance, especially within the legal framework established by the Mosaic Law. The judicial system relied heavily on oral testimony, and the consequences of false witness could be dire, often involving matters of life and death for the accused. The Deuteronomic code, for example, meticulously outlines the requirements for witnesses and prescribes severe penalties for bearing false witness, including the imposition of the very punishment that would have been inflicted upon the innocent party ([Deuteronomy 19:15-21](/deuteronomy/19-15-21 "Deuteronomy 19:15-21 - Law of Witnesses and False Witness")). Therefore, a "witness" (Hebrew: *'ed*) was not merely an observer but a pivotal figure in the administration of justice and the maintenance of communal order. This proverb directly reflects the societal value placed on truth as the bedrock of a stable and just community, where a person's word carried immense weight and consequence.
* **Key Themes:** [Proverbs 14:5](/proverbs/14-5 "Proverbs 14:5 - The Faithful and False Witness") significantly contributes to several core themes woven throughout the book of Proverbs. Primarily, it addresses the theme of **Truth vs. Falsehood**, highlighting the intrinsic connection between one's character and the veracity of their speech. A "faithful witness" embodies truth, while a "false witness" embodies deceit, illustrating that integrity is not merely an action but a state of being. This theme is intrinsically linked to **Justice and Righteousness**, as truthful testimony is an indispensable component of a just legal system and a righteous society. The book frequently warns against the destructive power of false witness, emphasizing the severe consequences for those who pervert justice through lies, as seen in [Proverbs 19:5](/proverbs/19-5 "Proverbs 19:5 - False Witness Will Not Go Unpunished") and [Proverbs 25:18](/proverbs/25-18 "Proverbs 25:18 - A Man Who Bears False Witness"). Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **Character and Reputation**, demonstrating that one's words are a direct reflection of their inner moral state and profoundly impact their standing and trustworthiness within the community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **faithful (Hebrew, _ʼêmûwn'_):** From H529, meaning "established, i.e. (figuratively) trusty; also (abstractly) trustworthiness; faith(-ful), truth." This term denotes reliability, steadfastness, and an unwavering adherence to truth. A "faithful witness" is someone whose character is so firmly rooted in integrity and truth that their testimony is inherently trustworthy and incapable of deviation into falsehood. Their faithfulness is not merely an action but an intrinsic quality of their being, making lying a contradiction to their very nature.
* **witness (Hebrew, _ʻêd'_):** From H5707, meaning "concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e. prince." This word refers to one who provides testimony or evidence, particularly in a legal or public setting. The role of a witness was critical in ancient Israelite society, as their words could determine the outcome of a dispute or trial. The proverb emphasizes that the *quality* of the witness (faithful versus false) directly impacts the *quality* and reliability of their testimony.
* **lie / false / lies (Hebrew, _kâzâb'_ / _sheqer'_ / _kâzab'_):** The verse uses H3577 (_kâzâb_) for "lie," H8267 (_sheqer_) for "false," and H3576 (_kâzab_) for "utter lies." H3576 (_kâzab_) is a primitive root meaning "to lie (i.e. deceive), literally or figuratively; fail, (be found a, make a) liar, lie, lying, be in vain." H3577 (_kâzâb_) is derived from this root, signifying "falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol); deceitful, false, leasing, + liar, lie, lying." H8267 (_sheqer_) means "an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial); without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully." These terms collectively underscore the nature of deceit—it is a deliberate untruth, a deception that undermines reality and trust. The stark contrast highlights that a faithful person cannot produce such falsehoods, while a false person inherently does.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A faithful witness will not lie:"** This clause presents a positive affirmation, establishing an unbreakable link between a person's faithfulness—their character of integrity and trustworthiness—and their inherent inability to speak falsehood. It suggests that truth-telling is not merely a conscious choice for such a person but a natural, inevitable outflow of who they are. Their faithfulness is so profound that it precludes the possibility of intentional deception, as lying would be a betrayal of their very essence.
* **"but a false witness will utter lies."** This clause offers the stark antithesis, defining a "false witness" by their intrinsic propensity towards deceit. Their character is corrupted by untruth, making it inevitable that their testimony will be filled with falsehoods. The phrase "will utter lies" (literally "breathes out lies" or "puffs out lies") emphasizes that falsehood is the very substance and expression of their being, a natural emanation from their deceptive heart and a deliberate act of perversion.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [Proverbs 14:5](/proverbs/14-5 "Proverbs 14:5 - The Faithful and False Witness") is **Antithetical Parallelism**. This structure, a hallmark of wisdom literature, presents two contrasting statements that highlight a moral truth by juxtaposing opposing ideas. Here, "a faithful witness will not lie" is directly contrasted with "a false witness will utter lies," emphasizing the clear dichotomy between truth and falsehood, integrity and deceit. This sharp contrast makes the moral lesson exceptionally clear, memorable, and impactful. Additionally, there is an element of **Personification**, where the abstract qualities of "faithfulness" and "falsehood" are embodied in the "witness." The witness becomes a living representation of these virtues or vices, making the proverb's message about character concrete and relatable. The use of **Repetition** of the concept of "lying" (lie/lies) further reinforces the central theme of veracity and its opposite, underscoring the pervasive nature of truth and falsehood in human communication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Proverbs 14:5](/proverbs/14-5 "Proverbs 14:5 - The Faithful and False Witness") speaks profoundly to the theological nature of truth, reflecting God's own character as the ultimate source of truth and faithfulness. God is inherently truthful and incapable of deception ([Titus 1:2](/titus/1-2 "Titus 1:2 - God Who Cannot Lie")), consistently described as faithful and true in all His ways ([Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - The Rock, His Work is Perfect")). Therefore, a faithful witness, in their commitment to truth, reflects the divine nature and participates in God's order, while a false witness stands in direct opposition to it. This proverb underscores the biblical emphasis on integrity in speech as a core aspect of righteousness, essential for healthy human relationships and the flourishing of a just society, mirroring the divine order. It also highlights the destructive power of lies, which are inherently antithetical to God's character and lead to chaos, injustice, and the breakdown of trust.

* [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?")
* [Matthew 5:37](/matthew/5-37 "Matthew 5:37 - Let Your Yes Be Yes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Proverbs 14:5](/proverbs/14-5 "Proverbs 14:5 - The Faithful and False Witness") serves as a timeless call to cultivate a character rooted in truth and integrity, extending far beyond formal legal settings into every facet of our daily lives. In an age saturated with misinformation, "alternative facts," and the rapid spread of falsehoods, the proverb reminds us that true faithfulness is demonstrated by an unwavering commitment to honesty, even when it is difficult, unpopular, or inconvenient. It challenges us to examine our own words: Do they consistently align with reality? Are we quick to spread rumors, engage in gossip, or present half-truths, or do we diligently strive to be sources of reliable information and genuine testimony? This verse encourages us to be discerning consumers of information, recognizing that the character of the speaker often dictates the trustworthiness of their message. Ultimately, living as a "faithful witness" means actively reflecting God's truthfulness in our interactions, building trust within our communities, and contributing to a society where justice can flourish because truth is valued, upheld, and passionately pursued.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I tempted to be a "false witness," even in subtle ways (e.g., exaggeration, omission, gossip, selective sharing)?**
* **How does my commitment to truthfulness impact my relationships with others, my professional integrity, and my reputation within my community?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to cultivate a character of greater faithfulness and uncompromising integrity in all my communication?**
* **How can I better discern between faithful and false "witnesses" in the vast amount of information I consume daily, especially through media and social platforms?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the contrast between "faithful" and "false" witnesses in this proverb?**

Answer: The significance lies in the proverb's profound assertion that one's character fundamentally dictates one's conduct. A "faithful" witness is someone whose very being is established in truth and trustworthiness (from the Hebrew root *'aman*, which gives us "Amen," signifying firmness or truth). For such a person, lying is a contradiction of their inherent nature, an impossibility because their identity is intertwined with veracity. Conversely, a "false" witness (Hebrew *sheqer*, meaning untruth, sham, or deceit) is defined by deceit, and therefore, uttering lies is an inevitable outflow of their corrupted character. The contrast powerfully highlights that truthfulness is not merely an action but a reflection of one's inner moral state, which is essential for justice and the foundational trust required for any functioning society, as emphasized in the legal strictures found throughout the Old Testament, such as [Deuteronomy 19:16-19](/deuteronomy/19-16-19 "Deuteronomy 19:16-19 - Punishment for False Witness").

**How does this proverb apply beyond a literal courtroom setting?**

Answer: While rooted in the ancient legal context, [Proverbs 14:5](/proverbs/14-5 "Proverbs 14:5 - The Faithful and False Witness") has expansive application to all forms of human communication and interaction. It speaks to the critical importance of personal integrity in everyday speech, whether in business dealings, personal relationships, academic pursuits, or public discourse. It serves as a potent warning against gossip, slander, exaggeration, misrepresentation, and any form of intentional deception. The underlying principle is that a person of genuine integrity will speak truthfully in all circumstances, not just when under oath or in formal settings. Conversely, a person whose character is marked by deceit will naturally spread falsehoods, inevitably eroding trust and harmony in any community, reflecting the broader wisdom found in passages like [Proverbs 10:18](/proverbs/10-18 "Proverbs 10:18 - He Who Hides Hatred Has Lying Lips"), which connects lying lips to hidden hatred.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Proverbs 14:5](/proverbs/14-5 "Proverbs 14:5 - The Faithful and False Witness") finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the quintessential "faithful witness" and the very embodiment of truth itself. The New Testament consistently presents Jesus as the one who "bears witness to the truth" ([John 18:37](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus Testifies to the Truth")), whose words are always true because He is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, the Life")). Unlike any human witness, Jesus's testimony is flawless, perfectly aligned with the Father's will and reality, as He only spoke what He heard from God ([John 8:26](/john/8-26 "John 8:26 - Jesus Speaks What He Hears")). He is uniquely called "the Amen, the faithful and true witness" in [Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness"), perfectly embodying the ideal of the faithful witness described in Proverbs 14:5. Conversely, the "false witness" finds its ultimate antithesis in Jesus's confrontation with Satan, whom He identifies as "the father of lies" ([John 8:44](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - The Devil, Father of Lies")), highlighting the cosmic battle between divine truth and diabolical deception that Jesus came to decisively overcome through His truthful life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection. Through Christ, believers are not only forgiven for their past falsehoods but are also empowered by the Spirit of Truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Leads Into All Truth")) to become faithful witnesses to His truth in a world desperately in need of it.

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

Exodus 23:1

¶ Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.

Proverbs 6:19

A false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Proverbs 19:5

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

Proverbs 12:17

¶ [He that] speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.

Proverbs 14:25

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

Proverbs 13:5

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

Proverbs 19:9

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