A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 14:25
What does Proverbs 14:25 mean?
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Proverbs 14:25
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The phrase "breathes out lies" suggests that for a deceitful witness, falsehood isn't just a mistake, but an ingrained habit, something they exhale as naturally as air. This highlights how deeply dishonesty can become part of someone's very being, with devastating consequences for those caught in its path.
A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb appears amidst a collection of wisdom teaching about right living and the consequences of choices. It follows verses discussing the folly of the wicked and the prosperity of the righteous, and immediately precedes a passage about the dangers of anger and foolish talk. The focus is on the critical role of truthfulness, especially in situations where lives are at stake, contrasting the life-saving power of honesty with the destructive nature of deceit.
Have you ever thought about how powerful simple truth can be? This verse reveals that telling the truth isn't just a good idea; it can literally save lives.
Saving Souls Through Truth
Proverbs 14:25 opens with a profound statement: 'A true witness delivers souls.' This isn't just about clearing someone's name in a courtroom, though that's a powerful example. It speaks to the broader impact of truth.
The verse doesn't just praise truth; it warns about the destructive power of deceit. What does it mean to 'breathe out lies'?
Lies as Poison and Destruction
The second part of the verse paints a stark picture: 'but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.' This imagery suggests something more than just occasional dishonesty.
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Understand the original words
'ed · Hebrew Noun
Someone who gives testimony, typically in a judicial or moral setting. A truthful witness is one who accurately represents reality and righteousness.
kazab · Hebrew Noun
Falsehood, distortion, or that which is deceptive. It is a fundamental violation of God's nature, who is Truth.
This passage directly echoes the wisdom of Proverbs, commanding against spreading false reports and warning about the danger of siding with a crowd to do wrong, which directly relates to the life-or-death consequences of truthful or deceitful testimony.
Matthew 26:59-60This New Testament account illustrates the severe consequences of false witness, showing how even the religious authorities struggled to find true testimony against Jesus, highlighting the societal impact of lies.
Acts 6:3When the early church needed leaders, they were instructed to choose those full of the Spirit and wisdom, implying that sound judgment and truthfulness are essential for community well-being and decision-making, mirroring the value of a truthful witness.
1 John 4:1This verse calls believers to test the spirits and distinguish truth from falsehood, a principle that underpins the importance of honest testimony and discerning deceit in all relationships and communications.
bensonProverbs 14:25: "A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies."
Proverbs 14:25 . A true witness delivereth souls — That is, persons, namely, such as, being innocent, are falsely accused; whom he delivers from the mischief designed against them, by declaring the truth, and thereby clearing them from the charges brought against them; but a deceitful witness speaketh lies — To the injury and destruction of the innocent.
cambridgeProverbs 14:25: "A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies."
25 . delivereth souls ] by clearing them from false accusation and establishing their innocence. a deceitful witness speaketh lies ] Rather: he that uttereth (lit. breatheth ) lies ( causes , or is ) deceit , R.V.; is a cheat , Lange. He who, in contrast to the “faithful witness,” gives false evidence obscures the truth and (it is implied) destroys, instead of “delivering” souls. The rendering of A.V. has…
The phrase "breathes out lies" suggests that for a deceitful witness, falsehood isn't just a mistake, but an ingrained habit, something they exhale as naturally as air. This highlights how deeply dishonesty can become part of someone's very being, with devastating consequences for those caught in its path.
This proverb appears amidst a collection of wisdom teaching about right living and the consequences of choices. It follows verses discussing the folly of the wicked and the prosperity of the righteous, and immediately precedes a passage about the dangers of anger and foolish talk. The focus is on the critical role of truthfulness, especially in situations where lives are at stake, contrasting the life-saving power of honesty with the destructive nature of deceit.
This proverb appears amidst a collection of wisdom teaching about right living and the consequences of choices. It follows verses discussing the folly of the wicked and the prosperity of the righteous, and immediately precedes a passage about the dangers of anger and foolish talk. The focus is on the critical role of truthfulness, especially in situations where lives are at stake, contrasting the life-saving power of honesty with the destructive nature of deceit.
"A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful." — The phrase "breathes out lies" suggests that for a deceitful witness, falsehood isn't just a mistake, but an ingrained habit, something they exhale as naturally as air. This highlights how deeply dis…
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Last reviewed October 2026