Proverbs 14:25
A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The original Hebrew uses a striking image: a deceitful witness "breathes out" lies. This isn't just speaking falsehoods; it suggests lies that are so natural to them, they exhale them as if it were the very air they need to survive, making their deceit an inherent part of their being. This makes the contrast with the truthful witness who "delivers souls" even more profound – one person's very breath can save, while another's destroys.
This proverb stands within the broader theme of wisdom and foolishness in Proverbs, contrasting actions that build up society with those that tear it down. It directly follows discussions about avoiding deceit and the dangers of associating with fools, emphasizing the critical role of truthfulness, especially in legal or public testimony where lives can hang in the balance. The verse highlights the profound impact of words, framing truthful speech as life-saving and lies as inherently destructive.
Ever wonder how words can literally save someone's life? Proverbs 14:25 opens with a powerful statement about truth's life-preserving force. It’s not just about being honest; it's about a deeper impact.
The Witness Who Delivers
The first part of the verse highlights a "true witness" who "delivers souls." This isn't just about abstract truth, but practical deliverance. Think of someone wrongly accused – a truthful testimony in court could free them from unjust punishment, or even save their life. This witness acts as a shield, protecting the innocent from the destructive force of lies.
This echoes how Jesus, the ultimate Truth-teller, delivers us from spiritual death. His testimony about the Father and His own identity rescues us from sin and condemnation.
The verse contrasts the life-saver with someone who "breathes out lies." This imagery is vivid – lies aren't just passive; they are actively exhaled, like a deadly poison.
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The Deceitful Breath
The second half of the verse paints a stark picture: "one who breathes out lies is deceitful." The original language suggests a person who is essentially made of deceit, whose very nature is to deceive. This isn't just a slip-up; it's a fundamental character flaw that leads to destruction.
While a truthful witness protects, a deceitful one actively harms. Lies obscure justice, ruin reputations, and can lead to devastating consequences, implying the destruction of the person being lied about. It’s the opposite of deliverance – it’s condemnation. The commentary notes that "all destruction is implied in falsehood."
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 shows soldiers asking John the Baptist what they should do, and he tells them not to extort money and to be content with their wages, highlighting the importance of honesty and integrity in one's dealings, much like a truthful witness.
Acts 6:3When the early church needed to select leaders, they were told to choose men 'full of the Spirit and wisdom.' This connects to Proverbs 14:25 by showing that character and integrity, vital for truthful witness, are essential qualities for leadership and responsible action.
1 Peter 3:16Peter urges believers to 'keep a good conscience, so that, when you are reviled, those who falsely accuse your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.' This echoes Proverbs 14:25 by emphasizing how living truthfully and honestly can shame those who spread lies.
John 8:44Jesus calls the devil 'a murderer from the beginning' and 'a liar and the father of lies.' This verse starkly contrasts the destructive nature of lies mentioned in Proverbs 14:25 with the life-giving power of truth.
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 original Hebrew uses a striking image: a deceitful witness "breathes out" lies. This isn't just speaking falsehoods; it suggests lies that are so natural to them, they exhale them as if it were the very air they need to survive, making their deceit an inherent part of their being. This makes the contrast with the truthful witness who "delivers souls" even more profound – one person's very breath can save, while another's destroys.
This proverb stands within the broader theme of wisdom and foolishness in Proverbs, contrasting actions that build up society with those that tear it down. It directly follows discussions about avoiding deceit and the dangers of associating with fools, emphasizing the critical role of truthfulness, especially in legal or public testimony where lives can hang in the balance. The verse highlights the profound impact of words, framing truthful speech as life-saving and lies as inherently destructive.
This proverb stands within the broader theme of wisdom and foolishness in Proverbs, contrasting actions that build up society with those that tear it down. It directly follows discussions about avoiding deceit and the dangers of associating with fools, emphasizing the critical role of truthfulness, especially in legal or public testimony where lives can hang in the balance. The verse highlights the profound impact of words, framing truthful speech as life-saving and lies as inherently destructive.
"A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful." — The original Hebrew uses a striking image: a deceitful witness "breathes out" lies. This isn't just speaking falsehoods; it suggests lies that are so natural to them, they exhale them as if it were t…
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