Proverbs 19:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

A false {H8267} witness {H5707} shall not be unpunished {H5352}, and he that speaketh {H6315} lies {H3577} shall perish {H6}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 19:9 delivers a solemn and unequivocal warning against the pervasive dangers of dishonesty, declaring that those who bear false witness or habitually speak lies will inevitably face severe consequences. This proverb underscores the certainty of divine justice, emphasizing that deceit will not go unpunished and will ultimately lead to ruin, thereby highlighting truthfulness as an indispensable virtue for individual well-being and societal integrity within the framework of God's moral order.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 19 is part of the larger collection of Solomonic proverbs (Proverbs 10-22:16), which are characterized by their concise, often antithetical, statements of wisdom. This chapter frequently contrasts the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked, and the diligent and the lazy, illustrating the differing outcomes of their choices. Proverbs 19:9 specifically aligns with several preceding and subsequent verses that address the consequences of speech, the nature of justice, and the importance of integrity. For instance, [Proverbs 19:5](/proverbs/19-5 "Proverbs 19:5 - False Witness Shall Not Be Unpunished") directly precedes it with a similar warning, stating, "A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape." This repetition emphasizes the gravity and certainty of the judgment against deceit. The broader context of the book of [Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Life") aims to impart practical wisdom for living a life pleasing to God and beneficial to oneself and the community.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, legal proceedings relied heavily on oral testimony, making the role of a "witness" (Hebrew: `ʻêd`) profoundly significant. A false witness could pervert justice, condemn the innocent, and destroy lives and reputations. The Mosaic Law contained strict prohibitions against bearing false witness, as seen in [Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment") (the Ninth Commandment) and elaborated in [Deuteronomy 19:16-19](/deuteronomy/19-16 "Deuteronomy 19:16-19 - Law Concerning False Witnesses"), which prescribed that a false witness should suffer the very penalty intended for the accused. This legal framework underscored the belief that justice was an extension of God's own character and order. Therefore, lying, especially in a judicial context, was not merely a social transgression but a grave sin against God. The cultural emphasis on communal honor and the severe societal repercussions for public disgrace also contributed to the weight of such warnings.

* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully contributes to several overarching themes found throughout the book of [Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Life"). Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, asserting that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, ensuring that wickedness, particularly deceit, does not go unpunished. The certainty of judgment for lies is a recurring motif, as highlighted in [Proverbs 11:21](/proverbs/11-21 "Proverbs 11:21 - The Wicked Shall Not Be Unpunished"). Secondly, it champions the **Importance of Truthfulness and Integrity**. By condemning falsehood so vehemently, the proverb implicitly elevates truth as a foundational virtue for a righteous life and a stable society. This aligns with other proverbs that praise honest speech, such as [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips Are an Abomination to the Lord"). Finally, it speaks to the **Consequences of Moral Choices**, a central tenet of the wisdom literature. It posits a direct correlation between one's actions (speaking lies) and their inevitable outcomes (perishing), thereby encouraging wise and righteous conduct.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **false (Hebrew, _sheqer'_):** From H8267 (שָׁקַר), meaning "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 emphasizes the inherent deceitfulness and lack of truth in the witness's testimony. It's not just an error, but a deliberate fabrication or a statement made with malicious intent to mislead.
* **unpunished (Hebrew, _nâqâh'_):** From H5352 (נָקָה), meaning "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." The phrase "shall not be unpunished" uses a strong double negative, emphatically conveying that the false witness will absolutely *not* be acquitted or held guiltless. They will certainly face accountability and consequences.
* **lies (Hebrew, _kâzâb'_):** From H3577 (כָּזַב), meaning "falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol); deceitful, false, leasing, + liar, lie, lying." This word refers to the content of the deceitful speech itself, highlighting that the words uttered are fundamentally untrue and deceptive. The use of this term in conjunction with "false witness" underscores the comprehensive nature of the condemnation of dishonesty.
* **perish (Hebrew, _ʼâbad'_):** From H6 (אָבַד), meaning "properly, to wander away, i.e. lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy); break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee." This term denotes a profound and often ultimate destruction, ruin, or being utterly undone. It suggests not merely a temporary setback but a comprehensive and perhaps irreversible loss of well-being, reputation, or even life itself, whether physical or spiritual.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A false witness shall not be unpunished":** This clause directly addresses the specific offense of giving false testimony, particularly in a legal or public context. The use of the double negative "shall not be unpunished" is a powerful **litotes**, a figure of speech that asserts an affirmative by negating its contrary, thereby emphasizing the absolute certainty of punishment. It conveys that divine and/or human justice will inevitably catch up with those who deliberately pervert truth.
* **"and he that speaketh lies shall perish":** This second clause broadens the scope from a specific "false witness" to anyone who "speaketh lies," indicating that the condemnation extends to all forms of habitual dishonesty. The consequence, "shall perish," signifies a severe and comprehensive ruin or destruction, encompassing not only legal or social repercussions but potentially spiritual and ultimate judgment. This acts as a powerful **parallelism** to the first clause, reinforcing the universal principle that deceit leads to destruction.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 19:9 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second line reiterates and expands upon the thought of the first. "A false witness shall not be unpunished" is echoed by "he that speaketh lies shall perish," with "false witness" being synonymous with "he that speaketh lies," and "shall not be unpunished" being synonymous with "shall perish." This reinforces the message and adds emphasis to the certainty of the consequences. The use of **Litotes** in "shall not be unpunished" (meaning "shall certainly be punished") creates a strong, emphatic assertion of inevitable retribution. The proverb also uses **Metonymy** where "false witness" stands for the act of bearing false witness, and "he that speaketh lies" represents the character or nature of a liar. Finally, the stark contrast between the act of lying and the severe consequence of perishing serves as a form of **Admonition**, a direct and forceful warning designed to deter specific behavior.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 19:9 stands as a testament to God's unwavering commitment to truth and justice, a theme deeply woven throughout the biblical narrative. It reflects the divine character, as God Himself is described as one who cannot lie ([Titus 1:2](/titus/1-2 "Titus 1:2 - God Who Cannot Lie")). The proverb underscores that human flourishing is intrinsically linked to adherence to truth, and that deviation from it invites divine judgment and ruin. This principle is not merely about legal consequences but about the moral fabric of creation, where truth is foundational to order and falsehood leads to chaos and destruction. The certainty of punishment for deceitful speech highlights the seriousness with which God views integrity, positioning it as a core component of righteousness.

* [Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment")
* [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - Seven Things the Lord Hates")
* [Revelation 21:8](/revelation/21-8 "Revelation 21:8 - The Lake of Fire for Liars")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 19:9 serves as a timeless and urgent call for integrity in an age often characterized by the casual dissemination of misinformation and the erosion of trust. For believers, this proverb is a potent reminder that our words carry immense weight and reflect our character, ultimately pointing to the God whom we serve. It challenges us to cultivate a profound commitment to truthfulness in every sphere of life—from our private conversations to our public discourse, from our professional dealings to our digital interactions. We are called to be people whose "yes is yes" and "no is no," understanding that any deviation from truth, whether through exaggeration, omission, or outright falsehood, has spiritual ramifications. This commitment to truth is not merely about avoiding punishment, but about embodying the character of Christ, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). It encourages us to prayerfully examine our speech, seeking to build up rather than tear down, and to bear witness to the truth in a world desperately in need of it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to speak less than the full truth, and what are the potential consequences of such actions?**
* **How does my commitment to truthfulness reflect or diminish the character of God in my daily interactions?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my words consistently align with integrity and honesty, even when it is difficult?**

### FAQ
**What does "shall not be unpunished" mean in this proverb?**

Answer: The phrase "shall not be unpunished" uses a literary device called litotes, which is a double negative used to emphasize an affirmative. It emphatically means that the false witness will absolutely, certainly, and without a doubt be punished or held accountable. It conveys the inevitability of consequences for deceit, indicating that there will be no acquittal or escape from justice for those who bear false witness. This certainty of retribution is a recurring theme in [Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Life"), highlighting God's commitment to justice.

**What kind of "perishing" is implied for those who speak lies?**

Answer: The term "perish" (Hebrew: `ʼâbad`) is comprehensive and can refer to various forms of ruin. In the context of Proverbs, it often implies a loss of well-being, reputation, prosperity, or even life itself. For those who speak lies, this "perishing" can manifest as societal disgrace, loss of trust, legal penalties (as seen in [Deuteronomy 19:16-19](/deuteronomy/19-16 "Deuteronomy 19:16-19 - Law Concerning False Witnesses")), and ultimately, divine judgment. It suggests a profound and often irreversible destruction of one's standing, peace, and ultimate destiny, both in this life and in the life to come, as warned in [Revelation 21:8](/revelation/21-8 "Revelation 21:8 - The Fate of Liars").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 19:9, with its stark warning against falsehood and its promise of perishing for liars, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb condemns those who speak lies, Jesus is revealed as the very embodiment of truth, declaring, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He consistently spoke truth, even when it led to His suffering, and His testimony was always "true" ([John 8:14](/john/8-14 "John 8:14 - Jesus' Testimony is True")). The consequences for falsehood highlighted in Proverbs underscore the righteous judgment that all humanity deserves due to our sin, which includes our propensity to lie, originating from the "father of lies," Satan ([John 8:44](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - Satan, Father of Lies")). However, Christ, through His perfect life and sacrificial death, bore the punishment that we, as liars and sinners, justly deserved. He became the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). For those who believe in Him, the "perishing" threatened by the proverb is averted, not because their lies are excused, but because their sin is atoned for. Through faith in Christ, believers are given a new nature, empowered by the Holy Spirit to "put away falsehood and speak truth, each one of you with his neighbor" ([Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Put Away Falsehood")). Thus, Proverbs 19:9 points us to our desperate need for a Savior who is Truth incarnate, and who delivers us from the ultimate perishing that our sin of dishonesty would otherwise incur.

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

Revelation 22:15

For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

Proverbs 19:5

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

Revelation 21:8

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Jeremiah 23:25

I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed.

Jeremiah 23:32

Behold, I [am] against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 28:15

Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.

Jeremiah 28:17

So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month.