Proverbs 19:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

A false {H8267} witness {H5707} shall not be unpunished {H5352}, and he that speaketh {H6315} lies {H3577} shall not escape {H4422}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A false witness will not go unpunished; whoever breathes out lies will not escape.

Berean Standard Bible

A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.

American Standard Version

A false witness shall not be unpunished; And he that uttereth lies shall not escape.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 19:5 delivers an unequivocal declaration regarding the certain and unavoidable consequences awaiting those who engage in deceit, particularly in the context of legal testimony. This proverb underscores the foundational principle of divine justice, asserting that both the specific act of bearing false witness and the broader act of speaking lies will inevitably meet with judgment, from which there is no escape. It serves as a stark warning against dishonesty and a powerful affirmation of truth's ultimate vindication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 19 is part of the larger collection of Solomonic proverbs (chapters 10-22:16), which primarily consists of two-line sayings offering practical wisdom for righteous living. This chapter, in particular, frequently addresses themes of justice, wisdom versus folly, the consequences of actions, and the character of God. Verses immediately preceding and following Proverbs 19:5 often deal with related concepts: [Proverbs 19:3](/proverbs/19-3 "Proverbs 19:3 - Folly and Blaming God") speaks of a person's folly ruining their way, while [Proverbs 19:6](/proverbs/19-6 "Proverbs 19:6 - Seeking Favor") discusses the desire for favor from rulers. The proverb’s placement within this chapter emphasizes the practical outworking of wisdom in maintaining social order and personal integrity, highlighting how deceit undermines both.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the legal system relied heavily on witness testimony. Bearing false witness was not merely a moral failing but a grave offense with severe societal repercussions, directly violating the [Ninth Commandment](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment"). Such an act could lead to the wrongful conviction or acquittal of individuals, the perversion of justice, and the breakdown of community trust. The Mosaic Law prescribed strict penalties for false witnesses, sometimes even mandating that they suffer the very punishment they intended for the accused (see [Deuteronomy 19:16-21](/deuteronomy/19-16 "Deuteronomy 19:16-21 - Punishment for False Witness")). This cultural backdrop underscores the gravity of the proverb's warning, as it speaks to both human and divine accountability for such destructive behavior.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 19:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes found throughout the book of Proverbs. It reinforces the theme of **Divine Justice**, asserting that God is a righteous judge who ensures that wrongdoing, especially deliberate deception, does not go unpunished. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that God detests lies and those who speak them, as seen in [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are an Abomination"). The verse also highlights the **Gravity of Lies**, emphasizing that falsehoods are not trivial but carry significant destructive power, capable of harming individuals and corrupting society. Finally, it speaks to the **Unavoidability of Consequences**, a recurring motif in Proverbs, which consistently teaches that actions have inherent outcomes, and those who choose the path of deceit cannot ultimately evade the repercussions of their choices, whether in this life or in the ultimate divine judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **false (Hebrew, _sheqer'_):** from שָׁקַר; an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial); without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. This term denotes not merely an error, but a deliberate fabrication or untruth, often with malicious intent, particularly in a legal context where it refers to perjured testimony.
* **unpunished (Hebrew, _nâqâh'_):** a primitive root; to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense) to be bare, i.e. extirpated; acquit [idiom] at all, [idiom] altogether, be blameless, cleanse, (be) clear(-ing), cut off, be desolate, be free, be (hold) guiltless, be (hold) innocent, [idiom] by no means, be quit, be (leave) unpunished, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] wholly. In this context, the negative "shall not be unpunished" emphatically means that the person will certainly *not* be acquitted or declared innocent; they will face the deserved penalty.
* **escape (Hebrew, _mâlaṭ'_):** a primitive root; properly, to be smooth, i.e. (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth young, emit sparks; deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. This word conveys the idea of slipping away from danger or punishment. The phrase "shall not escape" powerfully asserts the impossibility of evading the consequences of one's lies, implying an inescapable divine or human judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A false witness shall not be unpunished":** This initial clause establishes the specific context of legal or judicial deception. A "false witness" is someone who deliberately testifies falsely, intending to pervert justice. The phrase "shall not be unpunished" employs a strong double negative (a litotes) to emphatically declare that such a person will *certainly* face punishment. They will not be acquitted or allowed to go free; accountability is guaranteed.
* **"and he that speaketh lies shall not escape":** This second clause broadens the scope of the proverb from the specific "false witness" to anyone who generally "speaketh lies." This demonstrates that the principle of inescapable judgment applies not only to formal perjury but to all forms of deliberate falsehood. The parallel phrase "shall not escape" reinforces the absolute certainty of consequences, emphasizing that there is no loophole, no hiding place, and no way to evade the repercussions of a life characterized by deceit.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 19:5 primarily employs **Synonymous Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry. Both clauses express the same fundamental truth using different but related terms: "A false witness shall not be unpunished" is echoed and reinforced by "he that speaketh lies shall not escape." This repetition with variation serves to emphasize the certainty and universality of the message. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Litotes**, a figure of speech that affirms something by denying its opposite. The phrases "shall not be unpunished" and "shall not escape" are powerful understatements that strongly affirm the inevitability of judgment. Instead of simply stating "a false witness will be punished," the double negative intensifies the declaration, leaving no room for doubt about the certainty of the consequence. This rhetorical choice makes the warning more potent and memorable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 19:5 deeply roots itself in the biblical understanding of God's character as just and truthful. It reflects the divine abhorrence of falsehood, which fundamentally contradicts God's nature. The proverb assures us that while human justice may sometimes fail, there is a higher, divine order that ensures accountability for all deception. This divine commitment to truth underpins the moral fabric of the universe and promises ultimate vindication for those who uphold integrity. It serves as a warning not only against the act of lying but against a heart that is comfortable with deceit, reminding us that such a disposition stands in opposition to God's righteous standards.

* [Exodus 23:1](/exodus/23-1 "Exodus 23:1 - Do Not Spread False Reports")
* [Psalm 5:6](/psalm/5-6 "Psalm 5:6 - God Destroys Liars")
* [Revelation 21:8](/revelation/21-8 "Revelation 21:8 - The Destiny of Liars")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 19:5 calls us to a profound commitment to truthfulness in every facet of our lives, recognizing that integrity is not merely a virtue but a foundational principle for living in alignment with God's character and His created order. It challenges us to examine our words, our motives, and our actions, ensuring that we are not contributing to the spread of falsehood, whether through outright lies, exaggeration, gossip, or misleading statements. This proverb encourages us to cultivate a heart that loves truth and abhors deceit, understanding that our words carry weight and have consequences, both in human relationships and before God. By embracing honesty, we build trust, foster genuine community, and reflect the very nature of the God who cannot lie, finding assurance that the path of integrity, though sometimes challenging, ultimately leads to blessing and peace, while deceit leads to inevitable exposure and judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise truthfulness, even in seemingly small ways?**
* **How does my commitment to truth or lack thereof impact my relationships with others and my walk with God?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to cultivate a deeper love for truth and a stronger resolve to speak it in all circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What does "shall not be unpunished" mean in simple terms?**
Answer: It means that the person will definitely be punished. The phrase uses a double negative to emphasize the certainty of the consequence. It's a strong way of saying there's no way for a false witness or a liar to escape the judgment they deserve. This concept is reinforced throughout the wisdom literature, highlighting that God's justice will prevail, as seen in [Proverbs 11:21](/proverbs/11-21 "Proverbs 11:21 - The Wicked Will Not Go Unpunished").

**Does this proverb only apply to legal settings, or does it have broader implications for everyday honesty?**
Answer: While the first part of the verse specifically mentions a "false witness," which clearly points to a legal context, the second part broadens the scope to "he that speaketh lies." This indicates that the principle applies not just to formal perjury but to any form of deliberate falsehood in daily life. God's standard of truthfulness extends to all our words and actions, as highlighted in passages like [Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Speaking Truth to One Another"), which exhorts believers to "speak every man truth with his neighbour." The proverb warns against all forms of deceit, affirming that all lies will ultimately face consequences.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 19:5, with its stern warning against false witness and lies, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound significance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb warns of the inescapable judgment for those who bear false witness, Jesus himself was the ultimate victim of false witnesses, as seen in the trials leading to His crucifixion (e.g., [Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")). Yet, despite the perversion of justice, Jesus, the embodiment of truth, did not escape the cross, but willingly embraced it to fulfill God's righteous plan. He is the [Truth incarnate](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"), whose very nature is antithetical to all falsehood. Through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection, Christ has dealt definitively with the power of sin, which includes the sin of lying and deceit. For those who are in Christ, the judgment warned of in Proverbs 19:5 has been borne by Him, and they are now called to live as children of light, speaking the truth in love ([Ephesians 4:15](/ephesians/4-15 "Ephesians 4:15 - Speaking Truth in Love")), reflecting the character of the One who is faithful and true ([Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - Christ, Faithful and True")). Ultimately, the promise that liars "shall not escape" points to the final judgment where all who persist in falsehood will face the just wrath of God, while those who trust in Christ, the Lamb of God, are acquitted through His perfect righteousness ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")).

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 21:28

¶ A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.

Proverbs 6:19

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

Proverbs 19:9

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

Exodus 23:1

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

Daniel 6:24

And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast [them] into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.

Deuteronomy 5:11

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold [him] guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Deuteronomy 19:16

If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him [that which is] wrong;