Proverbs 14:5
Proverbs 14:5 in Multiple Translations
An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies.
A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
A faithful witness will not lie; But a false witness uttereth lies.
A true witness does not say what is false, but a false witness is breathing out deceit.
A trustworthy witness doesn't lie, but a false witness is deceptive.
A faithfull witnes will not lye: but a false record will speake lyes.
A faithful witness lieth not, And a false witness breatheth out lies.
A truthful witness will not lie, but a false witness pours out lies.
A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
A faithful witness will not lie: but a deceitful witness uttereth a lie.
Witnesses who are reliable always say what ◄is true/really happened►, but witnesses who are not reliable constantly tell lies about what happened.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 14:5
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 14:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֵ֣ד
אֱ֭מוּנִים
לֹ֣א
יְכַזֵּ֑ב
וְ/יָפִ֥יחַ
כְּ֝זָבִ֗ים
עֵ֣ד
שָֽׁקֶר
עֵ֣ד
ʻêd
H5707
witness
N-ms
אֱ֭מוּנִים
ʼêmûwn
H529
faithful
N-mp
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יְכַזֵּ֑ב
kâzab
H3576
to lie
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
וְ/יָפִ֥יחַ
pûwach
H6315
to breathe
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
כְּ֝זָבִ֗ים
kâzâb
H3577
lie
N-mp
עֵ֣ד
ʻêd
H5707
witness
N-ms
שָֽׁקֶר
sheqer
H8267
deception
N-ms
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 14:5
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.
אֱ֭מוּנִים
ʼêmûwn
H529
"faithful"
N-mp
Faithful means being trustworthy and reliable, like God's promises in the Bible. It describes someone who is loyal and true to their word. This word is used in the Old Testament to describe God's faithfulness.
Definition: 1) faithfulness, trusting 1a) faithful, trusty (as adj.)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: faith(-ful), truth. See also: Deuteronomy 32:20; Proverbs 14:5; Proverbs 13:17.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יְכַזֵּ֑ב
kâzab
H3576
"to lie"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to lie or deceive, and is used in the Bible to describe dishonesty and falsehood, as seen in the actions of those who oppose God's truth.
Definition: 1) to lie, tell a lie, be a liar, be found a liar, be in vain, fail 1a) (Qal) liar (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be proven to be lying 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lie, tell a lie, tell a lie with, deceive 1c2) to disappoint, fail 1d) (Hiphil) to make a liar, prove to be a liar
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: fail, (be found a, make a) liar, lie, lying, be in vain. See also: Numbers 23:19; Psalms 89:36; Psalms 78:36.
וְ/יָפִ֥יחַ
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.
כְּ֝זָבִ֗ים
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.
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.
שָֽׁקֶר
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
N-ms
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain
Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.
Study Notes — Proverbs 14:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 14:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:5
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:5
- Sermons on Proverbs 14:5
Context — The Wise Woman
3The proud speech of a fool brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.
4Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of the ox.
5An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies.
6A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. 7Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 6:19 | a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers. |
| 2 | Proverbs 19:5 | A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape. |
| 3 | Exodus 23:1 | “You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness. |
| 4 | Proverbs 12:17 | He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit. |
| 5 | Proverbs 14:25 | A truthful witness saves lives, but one who utters lies is deceitful. |
| 6 | Proverbs 13:5 | The righteous hate falsehood, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace. |
| 7 | Proverbs 19:9 | A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish. |
| 8 | 1 Kings 22:12–14 | And all the prophets were prophesying the same, saying, “Go up to Ramoth-gilead and prosper, for the LORD will deliver it into the hand of the king.” Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah instructed him, “Behold now, with one accord the words of the prophets are favorable to the king. So please let your words be like theirs, and speak favorably.” But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever the LORD tells me.” |
| 9 | 1 Kings 21:13 | And the two scoundrels came in and sat opposite Naboth, and these men testified against him before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king!” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. |
| 10 | Exodus 20:16 | You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. |
Proverbs 14:5 Summary
This verse reminds us that honesty is a vital part of our character, and that being truthful is essential in our relationships with others. An honest witness does not deceive, but instead speaks the truth, even if it's difficult. As we strive to be honest witnesses, we can look to examples in the Bible, such as Daniel, who remained faithful and truthful even in the face of adversity (Daniel 6:1-28). By choosing to be honest, we can build trust and credibility with others, and bring glory to God, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:9 and Psalm 15:2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the importance of being an honest witness?
Being an honest witness is crucial because it reflects our character and integrity, as seen in Proverbs 14:5, and it is also a commandment from God to not bear false witness, as stated in Exodus 20:16 and Deuteronomy 5:20.
How can we identify a dishonest witness?
A dishonest witness can be identified by their tendency to pour forth lies, as mentioned in Proverbs 14:5, and by their lack of fear in speaking falsely, which is condemned in Proverbs 19:5 and Proverbs 19:9.
What are the consequences of being a dishonest witness?
The consequences of being a dishonest witness can be severe, including damage to one's reputation and relationships, as well as spiritual consequences, as warned in Revelation 21:8 and Proverbs 12:17-19.
How can we cultivate honesty in our own lives?
We can cultivate honesty in our own lives by fearing God and desiring to please Him, as stated in Proverbs 8:13, and by being mindful of our words and actions, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:25 and Colossians 3:9-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate honesty in my daily interactions with others?
- How can I balance the need to be honest with the need to be kind and compassionate in my words?
- What are some common temptations to dishonesty that I need to be aware of, and how can I resist them?
- How can I use my words to build others up and promote truth, rather than tearing them down with lies or deceit?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:5
A faithful witness will not lie,.... For that would be contrary to his character as faithful; and as he will not witness to a falsehood upon oath in a court of judicature, so neither will he tell a lie in common conversation.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:5
A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:5
Will not lie, to wit, in common discourse and conversation, whereby he showeth his love to truth, and giveth assurance that when he is called to be a witness, he will be true and faithful. But a false witness will utter lies; or, as the words lie in the Hebrew, and or but he that will utter lies (that accustometh himself to lying) is or will be a false witness, when occasion requires it. Having debauched his conscience by daily lying, he is thereby prepared and disposed to false witness-bearing. Compare .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:5
Proverbs 14:5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.Ver. 5. A faithful witness will not lie.] Nec prece nec precio, he cannot lend an oath for a need before a magistrate. Nay, he will not lie upon any condition. But a false witness will utter lies.] Or, He that telleth lies will be a false witness - he that makes light of a lie will not stick at perjury. That was a foul blur to the Romans of old, if true, that Mirrhanes the Persian general chargeth upon them, Romanis promittere promptum est, promissis autem quanqum iuramento firmatis minime stare; the Romans will presently promise anything, but perform no promise though confirmed with an oath. Of the Romists at this day it is written by an Italian, no stranger to the court of Rome, that their proverb is, Mercatorum est, non regum, stare iuramentis; It is for merchants, not for princes, to stand to what they have sworn. Fides cum hereticis non est servanda is their position, and their practice is accordingly. They play with oaths as the monkey doth with his collar, which he doth slip on for his master’ s pleasure, and slip off again for his own. Pascenius scoffs King James for the invention of the oath of allegiance. Procop., lib. i. de bello Persico.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:5
5. will utter] uttereth, R.V., “Heb. breatheth out” marg.; ἐκκαίειψευδῆ, LXX., in the sense of kindleth, bloweth into flame.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:5
5. A false witness will utter lies — Better, he that breathes forth falsehood is a lying witness; that is, a man to whom falsehood is habitual will be apt to testify falsely when called as a witness.
Sermons on Proverbs 14:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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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(Proverbs) ch.18:4 - 19:5 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the danger of building a crowd of admirers based on generosity, as it can hinder the growth of the body of Christ. The Bible warns that a fal |
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(Proverbs) ch.19:5 - 20:6 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the consequences of lying and the importance of following God's laws. He emphasizes that no one can escape the punishment for their sins, as |
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Some Indirect Ways of Lying by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller addresses the various forms of untruthfulness, emphasizing that lies can be conveyed through tone, emphasis, and even statistics. He categorizes lies into three types: |
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How to Have a Personal Revival by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a personal revival. He encourages listeners to set their faces like flint, meaning to have a determined and unwaver |
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(Exodus) Exodus 23:1-11 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of following God's laws, specifically focusing on the Sabbath day and the sabbatical year. He emphasizes the need to rest and |
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No Root, No Fruit by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Luke chapter 13 and discusses a parable told by Jesus about a fruitless tree in a vineyard. The speaker interprets this parable as a represen |