Proverbs 14:25
Proverbs 14:25 in Multiple Translations
A truthful witness saves lives, but one who utters lies is deceitful.
A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
A true witness delivereth souls; But he that uttereth lies causeth deceit.
A true witness is the saviour of lives; but he who says false things is a cause of deceit.
A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is treacherous.
A faithfull witnes deliuereth soules: but a deceiuer speaketh lyes.
A true witness is delivering souls, And a deceitful one breatheth out lies.
A truthful witness saves souls, but a false witness is deceitful.
A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
A faithful witness delivereth souls: and the double dealer uttereth lies.
By saying in court what is true, you can save the life of the one who is being falsely accused; if you tell lies, you are abandoning someone who needs your help to defend him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 14:25
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 14:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַצִּ֣יל
נְ֭פָשׁוֹת
עֵ֣ד
אֱמֶ֑ת
וְ/יָפִ֖חַ
כְּזָבִ֣ים
מִרְמָֽה
מַצִּ֣יל
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
V-Hiphil
נְ֭פָשׁוֹת
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cp
עֵ֣ד
ʻêd
H5707
witness
N-ms
אֱמֶ֑ת
ʼemeth
H571
truth
N-fs
וְ/יָפִ֖חַ
pûwach
H6315
to breathe
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
כְּזָבִ֣ים
kâzâb
H3577
lie
N-mp
מִרְמָֽה
mirmâh
H4820
deceit
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 14:25
מַצִּ֣יל
nâtsal
H5337
"to rescue"
V-Hiphil
To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.
נְ֭פָשׁוֹת
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cp
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
עֵ֣ד
ʻêd
H5707
"witness"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means witness or testimony, describing someone who sees or experiences something. It's used in the Bible to talk about people who testify to what they've seen, like in Deuteronomy when describing legal witnesses.
Definition: 1) witness 1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things) 1b) witness (of people)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: witness. See also: Genesis 31:44; Psalms 27:12; Psalms 35:11.
אֱמֶ֑ת
ʼemeth
H571
"truth"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.
וְ/יָפִ֖חַ
pûwach
H6315
"to breathe"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to breathe or blow air, and is used in various ways, such as to fan a breeze or kindle a fire. It can also mean to utter or speak. In the Bible, it appears in contexts like Exodus and Psalms, describing God's breath or a person's utterance.
Definition: 1) to breathe, blow 1a) (Qal) to breathe 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to exhale or breathe 1b2) to puff, snort 1b3) to excite, inflame 1b4) to puff, pant for it 1b5) to breathe out, utter 1b6) to blow, blast
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: blow (upon), break, puff, bring into a snare, speak, utter. See also: Psalms 10:5; Proverbs 19:9; Psalms 12:6.
כְּזָבִ֣ים
kâzâb
H3577
"lie"
N-mp
A lie or falsehood is what this word represents, whether it is a literal untruth or a figurative idol, and is often used to describe the deceitful nature of humanity.
Definition: a lie, untruth, falsehood, deceptive thing
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: deceitful, false, leasing, + liar, lie, lying. See also: Psalms 4:3; Proverbs 30:8; Psalms 5:7.
מִרְמָֽה
mirmâh
H4820
"deceit"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means deceit or cheating, like when someone tricks or lies to another person. It appears in stories about dishonest people, like in Jeremiah 8:10, where the prophet talks about the deceit of the Israelites. The word is often translated as 'deceit' or 'craft' in English Bibles.
Definition: deceit, treachery
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: craft, deceit(-ful, -fully), false, feigned, guile, subtilly, treachery. See also: Genesis 27:35; Proverbs 11:1; Psalms 5:7.
Study Notes — Proverbs 14:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 14:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:25
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:25
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 14:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:25
- Sermons on Proverbs 14:25
Context — The Wise Woman
23There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
24The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the effort of fools is folly.
25A truthful witness saves lives, but one who utters lies is deceitful.
26He who fears the LORD is secure in confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge. 27The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 14:5 | An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies. |
| 2 | Acts 26:16–20 | ‘But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen from Me and what I will show you. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’ So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. First to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, then to everyone in the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I declared that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds worthy of their repentance. |
| 3 | 2 Peter 3:3 | Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. |
| 4 | Acts 20:26–27 | Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God. |
| 5 | 1 Timothy 4:1–3 | Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron. They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from certain foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. |
| 6 | Acts 20:21 | testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. |
Proverbs 14:25 Summary
This verse teaches us that being honest and telling the truth is very important, and it can even save lives. When we speak the truth, we show that we care about others and want to help them, as seen in Proverbs 14:25. On the other hand, lying and deceiving others can hurt them and damage our relationships, as warned in Proverbs 6:16-19. By being truthful and honest, we can build trust and show that we are people of integrity, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:25 and supported by Proverbs 10:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a truthful witness?
Being a truthful witness means speaking the truth, even if it's difficult, as the Bible teaches in Proverbs 12:17, and this honesty can have a significant impact on the lives of others, as seen in Proverbs 14:25.
Why is it important to avoid uttering lies?
Uttering lies is deceitful and can lead to harm and destruction, as warned in Proverbs 6:16-19, whereas speaking the truth brings life and integrity, as seen in Proverbs 14:25 and supported by Ephesians 4:25.
How can we apply this verse in our everyday lives?
We can apply this verse by being honest in our words and actions, as encouraged in Colossians 3:9-10, and by being mindful of the impact our words can have on others, as taught in Proverbs 18:21.
What is the relationship between honesty and faith?
Honesty and faith are closely related, as seen in Proverbs 14:25, and are both essential for a strong and healthy relationship with God, as taught in Proverbs 28:13 and supported by 1 John 1:6-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I am tempted to utter lies or bend the truth, and how can I apply the truth of Proverbs 14:25 to those situations?
- How can I be a truthful witness in my daily interactions with others, and what impact can this have on their lives?
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a habit of honesty and integrity in my life, and how can I rely on God's power to help me do so?
- How can I balance the need to speak the truth with the need to be kind and compassionate, as taught in Ephesians 4:15 and Proverbs 14:25?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:25
A true witness delivereth souls,.... Or, "a witness of truth" (x): one that witnesses truth upon oath in a court of judicature, he "delivers souls"; men, not one man only, but many; a whole family,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:25
A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies. A true witness delivereth souls - `delivers' innocent souls that are calumniated and accused before judges.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:25
Delivereth souls, i.e. persons, to wit, such as are innocent, from the mischief of false accusations, by declaring the truth, which is sufficient for their vindication. Speaketh lies, to the injury and destruction of the innocent; which is easily understood out of the former clause, and from the practice of false witnesses.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:25
Proverbs 14:25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful [witness] speaketh lies.Ver. 25. A true witness delivereth souls.] Or, Lives that lie at stake. He that helps the truth in such a necessity doth a worthy work. To walk about with slanders is to "shed blood." Way was made to that bloody French massacre by false reports cast abroad by the friar liars, that the Protestants, under pretence of religion, met by night that they might feed daintily, and then lie together promiscuously. He that hath a mind to hang his dog, saith the French proverb, will first give out that he is run mad. The devil was first a liar, and then a murderer from the beginning.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:25
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 support both of LXX., ἐκκαίειδὲψευδῆδόλιος (sc. μάρτυς); and of Vulg. profert mendacia versipellis.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 14:25
In the second clause, “destroyeth life” might have been expected as the antithesis to “delivereth souls.” But what worse could be said? “A deceitful witness speaketh lies.” All destruction is implied in falsehood.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:25
25. A deceitful witness… lies — This is true, but the clause is better rendered thus: He that breathes lies (an habitual liar) is a deception, a witness who cannot be depended on.
Sermons on Proverbs 14:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Revival Begins in the House of God by Ralph Ovadal | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for individuals to acknowledge and repent for wasting their lives. He encourages humility and acceptance of wrongdoing, urging list |
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Evangelism and the Layman #2 by Ernest C. Reisinger | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of directing people to the Bible rather than diverting them from it. He had a plan to talk about evangelism, focusing on the ma |
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Have You Got It? by Ernest O'Neill | Ernest O'Neill uses the analogy of a math teacher giving calculators to students to illustrate how God's laws were given to show the need for superhuman life, not just human effort |
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Be Rich: I Know a Secret by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the mystery in the teachings of the apostle Paul. The mystery refers to the fact that when a person is saved, whether they |
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Men Whose Eyes Have Seen the King - Part 8 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Jesus reigning until all His enemies are under His feet, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:25. The speaker highlights the vi |
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The Conversion of Saul of Tarsus by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the personal question that Jesus Christ asked Saul, "Why persecuteest thou me?" The preacher emphasizes that although he addresses the congregation |
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The Spur by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript emphasizes the urgency and joy of spreading the message of God's love. It compares the mission of proclaiming the gospel to that of angels, who eagerly fulfil |