Proverbs 19:5
A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "he who breathes out lies" paints a vivid picture, suggesting that lies aren't just spoken words but an active, almost involuntary expulsion of deceit. This isn't just about a single false statement, but a character deeply infected by falsehood, making escape from God's judgment truly impossible.
This verse is part of a larger collection in Proverbs that contrasts wisdom with folly and righteousness with wickedness. It's important to see that it appears somewhat abruptly between verses describing how a poor person might be related to a friend, and the king's relationship with a wise servant. The proverb's strong declaration about the inescapable judgment for liars is echoed later in the chapter, reinforcing the severe consequences for dishonesty, whether in a courtroom or everyday speech.
Think lying is a victimless crime? This verse warns that even if you fool people, you can't fool God.
This verse delivers a stark, unwavering message: dishonesty has consequences.
Beyond Human Eyes
Whether in a courtroom or everyday conversation, a false witness and someone who habitually lies will face repercussions. The commentary highlights that while human systems might miss or ignore these deceptions, God's justice is absolute. He will bring about punishment.
The Lord's Jealousy
God's honor is deeply tied to truth. He is described as 'jealous' for His name, meaning He fiercely protects His reputation and demands truthfulness from those who bear His image. Allowing lies to go unpunished would be a form of dishonor to Him. Therefore, divine judgment is guaranteed for those who breathe out falsehoods.
The language here isn't just about speaking lies, but about a deep, almost involuntary expulsion of falsehood. What does that reveal?
The phrase 'breathes out lies' is incredibly vivid and carries significant weight.
More Than Words
It suggests that lying has become so ingrained in a person's being that it's as natural and effortless as breathing. It's not a calculated act, but a constant exhalation of untruth. This imagery points to a character deeply corrupted by deceit, where falsehood flows freely and without restraint.
A Habitual Corruption
This points to a pattern of behavior, not just isolated incidents. The commentaries suggest this applies to anyone who 'accustoms himself to lying.' It’s a lifestyle, a way of operating in the world, that ultimately makes escape from consequence impossible.
Understand the original words
ʿēḏ šāqer · Hebrew Noun phrase
A person who provides testimony that is untruthful or deceitful. The Bible places extreme importance on truth-telling, and bearing false witness is viewed as a serious offense against one's neighbor and against God’s own character.
kāzāḇ · Hebrew Noun
Intentional falsehoods spoken to deceive or manipulate. It is considered an abomination to God, who is the source of all truth, and serves as a tool of wickedness that corrupts relationships and society.
This passage directly states the prohibition against bearing false witness, highlighting the seriousness of the sin that Proverbs 19:5 addresses.
Deuteronomy 19:16-19Here, the Law prescribes severe, specific penalties for a false witness, emphasizing that such deception will not go unpunished, either by human courts or divine justice.
Psalm 5:6This psalm echoes the sentiment of Proverbs 19:5, declaring that God despises and will destroy those who practice deceit and utter lies.
Matthew 12:36-37Jesus teaches that people will be held accountable for every careless word they speak, reinforcing the idea that lies and falsehoods have serious consequences.
Revelation 21:8This verse lists 'liars' among those whose fate is the lake of fire, showing the ultimate and inescapable judgment for those who practice deception.
bensonProverbs 19:5: "A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape."
Proverbs 19:5 . A false witness shall not be unpunished — Though he escape the observation and punishment of men, yet he shall not avoid the judgment of God. And he that speaketh lies — That accustoms himself to lying, either in giving evidence in courts of justice, or in common conversation; shall not escape — The righteous judgment of God, though he may flatter himself with hopes of impunity,…
pulpitProverbs 19:5: "A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape."
Verse 5. - This verse is repeated below (ver. 9). It comes in awkwardly here, interrupting the connection which subsists between vers. 4 and 6. Its right place is doubtless where it occurs below. The Law not only strictly forbade false witness (Exodus 20:16; Exodus 23:1), but it enacted severe penalties against offenders in this particular (Deuteronomy 19:16, etc.); the lex talionis was to be e…
The phrase "he who breathes out lies" paints a vivid picture, suggesting that lies aren't just spoken words but an active, almost involuntary expulsion of deceit. This isn't just about a single false statement, but a character deeply infected by falsehood, making escape from God's judgment truly impossible.
This verse is part of a larger collection in Proverbs that contrasts wisdom with folly and righteousness with wickedness. It's important to see that it appears somewhat abruptly between verses describing how a poor person might be related to a friend, and the king's relationship with a wise servant. The proverb's strong declaration about the inescapable judgment for liars is echoed later in the chapter, reinforcing the severe consequences for dishonesty, whether in a courtroom or everyday speech.
This verse is part of a larger collection in Proverbs that contrasts wisdom with folly and righteousness with wickedness. It's important to see that it appears somewhat abruptly between verses describing how a poor person might be related to a friend, and the king's relationship with a wise servant. The proverb's strong declaration about the inescapable judgment for liars is echoed later in the chapter, reinforcing the severe consequences for dishonesty, whether in a courtroom or everyday speech.
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"A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape." — The phrase "he who breathes out lies" paints a vivid picture, suggesting that lies aren't just spoken words but an active, almost involuntary expulsion of deceit. This isn't just about a single false…
