Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies. New Living Translation An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies. English Standard Version Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. Berean Standard Bible He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit. King James Bible He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. New King James Version He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit. New American Standard Bible One who declares truth tells what is right, But a false witness, deceit. NASB 1995 He who speaks truth tells what is right, But a false witness, deceit. NASB 1977 He who speaks truth tells what is right, But a false witness, deceit. Legacy Standard Bible He who breathes out truth declares what is right, But a false witness, deceit. Amplified Bible He who speaks truth [when he testifies] tells what is right, But a false witness utters deceit [in court]. Christian Standard Bible Whoever speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit. Holman Christian Standard Bible Whoever speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness, deceit. American Standard Version He that uttereth truth showeth forth righteousness; But a false witness, deceit. Contemporary English Version An honest person tells the truth in court, but a dishonest person tells nothing but lies. English Revised Version He that uttereth truth sheweth forth righteousness, but a false witness deceit. GOD'S WORD® Translation A truthful witness speaks honestly, but a lying witness speaks deceitfully. Good News Translation When you tell the truth, justice is done, but lies lead to injustice. International Standard Version The truth teller speaks what is right, but the false witness speaks what is deceitful. Majority Standard Bible He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit. NET Bible The faithful witness tells what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit. New Heart English Bible He who is truthful testifies honestly, but a false witness lies. Webster's Bible Translation He that speaketh truth showeth forth righteousness: but a false witness, deceit. World English Bible He who is truthful testifies honestly, but a false witness lies. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWhoever utters faithfulness declares righteousness, "" And a false witness—deceit. Young's Literal Translation Whoso uttereth faithfulness declareth righteousness, And a false witness -- deceit. Smith's Literal Translation He breathing out faithfulness will announce justice: and a witness of falsehoods, deceit. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe that speaketh that which he knoweth, sheweth forth justice: but he that lieth, is a deceitful witness. Catholic Public Domain Version He is a sign of justice, who speaks what he knows. But whoever deceives is a dishonest witness. New American Bible Whoever speaks honestly testifies truly, but the deceitful make lying witnesses. New Revised Standard Version Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness speaks deceitfully. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleA righteous man speaks truth as it is evident; but a false witness is deceptive. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated The righteous speaks obvious trustworthiness and the testimony of the evil is deceit. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917He that breatheth forth truth uttereth righteousness; But a false witness deceit. Brenton Septuagint Translation A righteous man declares the open truth; but an unjust witness is deceitful. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Loving Discipline and Knowledge…16A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult. 17He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit. 18Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.… Cross References Ephesians 4:25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another. Zechariah 8:16 These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another, render true and sound judgments in your gates, John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies. Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, Psalm 15:2 He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart, 1 John 1:6 If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. Proverbs 14:5 An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies. 1 Peter 3:10 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. Proverbs 6:16-19 There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: / haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, / a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, ... James 3:14 But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. Exodus 20:16 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Matthew 5:37 Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one. Proverbs 19:5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape. 1 Timothy 1:10 for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching Psalm 34:13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. Treasury of Scripture He that speaks truth shows forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. that Proverbs 14:5,25 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies… 1 Samuel 22:14,15 Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king's son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine house? … but Proverbs 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. Proverbs 19:5,28 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape… Proverbs 21:28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly. Jump to Previous Breatheth Breathing Deceit Evidence Faithfulness Forth Gives Honest Honestly Lies Right Righteousness Sheweth Showeth Speaketh Speaks Tells Testifies Testimony True. Truth Truthful Uttereth Utters Witness WordsJump to Next Breatheth Breathing Deceit Evidence Faithfulness Forth Gives Honest Honestly Lies Right Righteousness Sheweth Showeth Speaketh Speaks Tells Testifies Testimony True. Truth Truthful Uttereth Utters Witness WordsProverbs 12 1. Whoever loves discipline loves knowledgeHe who speaks the truth declares what is right This phrase emphasizes the importance of truthfulness, a core value in biblical teaching. In the ancient Near Eastern context, truth was not only a moral obligation but also a social necessity for justice and community harmony. The Hebrew word for "truth" (emet) conveys reliability and faithfulness, qualities attributed to God Himself (Exodus 34:6). Speaking truth aligns with God's character and His commandments, as seen in the Ninth Commandment, which prohibits bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16). Truth-telling is also a reflection of wisdom, a central theme in Proverbs, and is associated with righteousness and integrity (Proverbs 8:7). Jesus Christ, referred to as "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), embodies this principle, serving as the ultimate example of truthfulness. but a false witness speaks deceit Persons / Places / Events 1. The Speaker of TruthThis person is characterized by honesty and integrity, aligning their words with righteousness. 2. The False Witness This individual is marked by deceit, spreading falsehoods and misleading others. 3. The Audience The listeners or recipients of the truth or deceit, who are impacted by the words spoken. 4. The Context of Proverbs Proverbs is a book of wisdom literature in the Old Testament, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, offering practical guidance for righteous living. 5. The Ancient Near Eastern Setting The cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where oral testimony was crucial in legal and social matters. Teaching Points The Value of TruthfulnessTruthfulness is foundational to righteousness and justice. Speaking the truth aligns us with God's character and His standards. The Consequences of Deceit Deceit leads to broken relationships and societal harm. It is contrary to God's nature and brings about negative consequences both spiritually and relationally. The Role of Integrity in Witnessing As Christians, our words should reflect our faith. Integrity in speech is a powerful testimony to others and a reflection of our commitment to Christ. The Impact of Words Words have the power to influence and shape perceptions. We must be mindful of our speech, ensuring it is truthful and edifying. Cultivating a Heart for Truth Developing a heart that values truth requires regular engagement with Scripture and prayer, seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance to align our words with God's truth.Verse 17. - He that speaketh - breatheth out fearlessly (Proverbs 6:19) - truth showeth forth righteousness. The truth always conduces to justice and right, not only in a matter of law, but generally and in all cases. Vulgate, "He who speaks that which he knows is a discoverer of justice;" Septuagint, "A just man announces well proved assurance [or, 'the open truth'] (ἐπιδεικνυμένην πίστιν)." A false witness showeth forth deceit (Proverbs 14:5, 25); exhibits his true character, which is fraud, treachery, and wrong doing. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew [He who] speaksיָפִ֣יחַ (yā·p̄î·aḥ) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6315: To puff, blow with the breath, air, to fan, to utter, to kindle, to scoff the truth אֱ֭מוּנָה (’ĕ·mū·nāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 530: Firmness, steadfastness, fidelity declares יַגִּ֣יד (yag·gîḏ) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous what is right, צֶ֑דֶק (ṣe·ḏeq) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6664: The right, equity, prosperity but a false שְׁקָרִ֣ים (šə·qā·rîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 8267: Deception, disappointment, falsehood witness וְעֵ֖ד (wə·‘êḏ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5707: A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince [speaks] deceit. מִרְמָֽה׃ (mir·māh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4820: Deceit, treachery Links Proverbs 12:17 NIVProverbs 12:17 NLT Proverbs 12:17 ESV Proverbs 12:17 NASB Proverbs 12:17 KJV Proverbs 12:17 BibleApps.com Proverbs 12:17 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 12:17 Chinese Bible Proverbs 12:17 French Bible Proverbs 12:17 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 12:17 He who is truthful testifies honestly (Prov. 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