Proverbs 21:28
Proverbs 21:28 in Multiple Translations
A lying witness will perish, but the man who listens to truth will speak forever.
A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
A false witness shall perish; But the man that heareth shall speak so as to endure.
A false witness will be cut off, ...
The lies of a false witness vanish away, but the words of a reliable witness will stand.
A false witnes shall perish: but hee that heareth, speaketh continually.
A false witness doth perish, And an attentive man for ever speaketh.
A false witness will perish. A man who listens speaks to eternity.
A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
A lying witness shall perish: an obedient man shall speak of victory.
Those who tell lies in court will be punished; no one stops/silences witnesses who say what is truthful/reliable.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 21:28
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 21:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֵד
כְּזָבִ֥ים
יֹאבֵ֑ד
וְ/אִ֥ישׁ
שׁ֝וֹמֵ֗עַ
לָ/נֶ֥צַח
יְדַבֵּֽר
עֵד
ʻêd
H5707
witness
N-ms
כְּזָבִ֥ים
kâzâb
H3577
lie
N-mp
יֹאבֵ֑ד
ʼâbad
H6
to perish
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
שׁ֝וֹמֵ֗עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal
לָ/נֶ֥צַח
netsach
H5331
perpetuity
Prep | N-ms
יְדַבֵּֽר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
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 21:28
עֵד
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.
כְּזָבִ֥ים
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.
יֹאבֵ֑ד
ʼâbad
H6
"to perish"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.
Definition: 1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) perish, die, be exterminated 1a2) perish, vanish (fig.) 1a3) be lost, strayed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate 1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.) 1b3) cause to stray, lose 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to destroy, put to death 1c1a) of divine judgment 1c2) object name of kings (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 1:6.
וְ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
שׁ֝וֹמֵ֗עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
לָ/נֶ֥צַח
netsach
H5331
"perpetuity"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for perpetuity or everlastingness, often used to describe God's nature. It appears in Psalm 9:7, where the psalmist praises God's enduring presence. This word conveys the idea of something lasting forever.
Definition: 1) eminence, perpetuity, strength, victory, enduring, everlastingness 1a) eminence 1b) enduring of life 1c) endurance in time, perpetual, continual, unto the end 1d) everlastingness, ever
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), constantly, end, ([phrase] n-) ever(more), perpetual, strength, victory. See also: 1 Samuel 15:29; Psalms 74:10; Psalms 9:7.
יְדַבֵּֽר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
Study Notes — Proverbs 21:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 21:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:28
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:28
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:28
- Sermons on Proverbs 21:28
Context — The King’s Heart
26All day long he covets more, but the righteous give without restraint.
27The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable— how much more so when brought with ill intent!
28A lying witness will perish, but the man who listens to truth will speak forever.
29A wicked man hardens his face, but the upright man makes his way sure. 30There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Corinthians 4:13 | And in keeping with what is written: “I believed, therefore I have spoken,” we who have the same spirit of faith also believe and therefore speak, |
| 2 | Proverbs 19:5 | A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape. |
| 3 | Proverbs 19:9 | A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 19:16–19 | If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime, both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time. The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is proven to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother, you must do to him as he intended to do to his brother. So you must purge the evil from among you. |
| 5 | Proverbs 6:19 | a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers. |
| 6 | Titus 3:8 | This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people. |
| 7 | 2 Corinthians 1:17–20 | When I planned this, did I do it carelessly? Or do I make my plans by human standards, so as to say “Yes, yes” when I really mean “No, no”? But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed among you by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but in Him it has always been “Yes.” For all the promises of God are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him, our “Amen” is spoken to the glory of God. |
| 8 | Proverbs 25:18 | Like a club or sword or sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor. |
| 9 | Acts 12:15 | “You are out of your mind,” they told her. But when she kept insisting it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” |
| 10 | Exodus 23:1 | “You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness. |
Proverbs 21:28 Summary
Proverbs 21:28 teaches us that lying has serious consequences, but telling the truth has eternal benefits. When we choose to listen to and speak the truth, we reflect the character of God, who is truthful and just (as seen in Psalm 119:160). This means being honest in all our interactions, big or small, because our words and actions have lasting impacts (refer to Matthew 12:36). By seeking to be truthful, we not only honor God but also build trust and strong relationships with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to a person who lies under oath or gives false testimony?
According to Proverbs 21:28, a lying witness will perish, emphasizing the seriousness of dishonesty in the eyes of God, as also seen in Exodus 20:16 where it is written, 'You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.'
How can we know what is true and what is false in our own lives?
By seeking wisdom and guidance from God's Word, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105, 'Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path,' and by being people who listen to truth, as mentioned in Proverbs 21:28.
What is the significance of speaking the truth in the context of eternity?
Speaking the truth is not just a moral virtue but has eternal implications, as the man who listens to truth will speak forever, indicating that truthfulness is a characteristic of those who have eternal life, as Jesus teaches in John 8:31-32.
How does this verse relate to our everyday conversations and interactions?
This verse reminds us that honesty and integrity in our speech are essential, reflecting our character and relationship with God, and as instructed in Ephesians 4:25, we should speak the truth in love, promoting healthy and godly relationships.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I might be tempted to distort or hide the truth, and how can I apply the principle of Proverbs 21:28 to these situations?
- How can I cultivate a habit of listening to truth and speaking truthfully in all my interactions, whether big or small?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my commitment to truthfulness in my daily life, reflecting the character of God who is the embodiment of truth?
- What does it mean for me to 'speak forever' in the context of this verse, and how should this impact my perspective on the significance of my words and actions?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:28
A false witness shall perish,.... As witness he shall perish in his reputation, no credit shall be given him, he shall not be admitted an evidence, or a witness in any cause, being found a false one;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:28
A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:28
A false witness, Heb. a witness of lies; one who is forward to swear or speak false things, or such things as he hath not heard nor learned from others, nor seen, but devised in his own heart. Shall perish; shall be severely punished, either by God or men, and shall be confounded and silenced, because none will for the future regard or credit his testimony. The man that heareth; he who hears before he speaks, and witnesseth nothing but what he hath heard or seen, and knows to be true. Speaketh constantly; doth not contradict himself, but always affirmeth the same thing. Or, as most other interpreters render the words, speaketh (or, may speak, dare speak freely and boldly) for ever; when liars are cut off, he lives, and is in a capacity of speaking and bearing witness again and again, as occasion requires, as long as he lives, and his testimony will be received.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:28
Proverbs 21:28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.Ver. 28. A false witness shall perish.] The Scythians had a law that if any man did duo peccata contorquere, bind two sins together, a lie and an oath, he was to lose his head, because this was the way to take away all faith and truth among men. But the man that heareth speaketh constantly.] He testifieth confidently what he knoweth assuredly; he is always also in the same tale, as Paul was in the plea to the chief captain, to Felix, to Festus, and to Agrippa. Not so Bellarmine. How oft doth that loud liar forget himself, and write contradictions? As for instance, in one place he affirmeth that it can by no means be proved by Scripture that any part of Scripture is the very word of God. Sed mendax redarguit seipsum, saith Pareus. But the liar confutes himself by saying elsewhere, besides other arguments to evince the divinity of the canonical Scripture, it giveth sufficient testimony to itself. Paraeus in Revelation 22:16. Bel de Verb.
Dei, lib. i. cap. 2.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:28
(28) But the man that heareth (carefully, and repeats accurately) speaketh constantly (his testimony will live).—Comp., “he being dead yet speaketh,” Hebrews 11:4.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:28
28. that heareth] Either (1) who listens to the voice of duty and of conscience (ἀνὴρὑπήκοος, LXX.; vir obediens, Vulg.); or (2) who simply states in evidence what he has heard, “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth” (qui non nisi quζ ipse audivit testatur Maurer). Comp. ὃἑωράκαμενκαὶἀκηκόαμενἀπαγγέλλομενὑμῖν, 1 John 1:3. constantly] Lit. for ever, so as to endure, R.V. marg. He will live on to speak, in contrast to the false witness who will perish. This preserves the parallelism better than shall speak unchallenged, (R.V. text), i.e. shall speak on, without being interrupted by cross-questioning, or objection, because his testimony will carry conviction, and be listened to with respectful silence.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:28
Speaketh constantly - His testimony abides evermore who repeats simply what he has heard, whether from the lips of men or from the voice within, in contrast with “the false witness.”
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:28
28. A false witness — A witness of lies; one who testifies falsely. Shall perish — éàáã, (yobhedh.) It is possible that this verb is used here in its primitive sense, shall lose himself, namely, by wandering.
Sermons on Proverbs 21:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Meet Your Psychiatrist: He Helps You Live by Faith by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of God's word to bring order and light out of chaos and darkness. He encourages believers to have faith in God's ability to transfo |
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(Grace Baptist) Die to Self by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of bad things turning out good, both in Scripture and in contemporary life. He uses the example of David fleeing from King Saul a |
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Judgement & a New House by Robert B. Thompson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of judgment and the importance of living a righteous life. He emphasizes that while we may be able to hide our true selves in this |
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Faith That Works by Brian Guerin | Brian Guerin emphasizes the necessity of faith in the life of a believer, illustrating that faith must be active and accompanied by works to be effective. He discusses how speaking |
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Of the Concern the Spirit of God Has in the Covenant of Grace. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit in the Covenant of Grace, illustrating that the Spirit is not merely a bystander but an active participant who approves and e |
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Reconciling Religious Dissensions Among Christians by James Arminius | James Arminius preaches about the nature, effects, causes, and remedies of religious dissensions among Christians. He highlights the presence of evil in all ages, the conflict betw |
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Psalm 119:13 by Brent Yim | Brent Yim emphasizes the transformative power of immersing oneself in the Word of God, leading to a deep understanding and declaration of His truths. Just as the psalmist declared |