Which other Proverbs emphasize the importance of truthfulness and honesty? Anchored in Proverbs 14:5 “An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies.” This single verse captures a theme woven all through Proverbs: God delights in truth, detests deceit, and calls His people to practice integrity in every word they speak. Why Truthfulness Matters • Truth reflects God’s own character (Numbers 23:19; John 14:6). • Lies destroy trust, fracture relationships, and invite God’s displeasure. • Honesty gives a believer a stable reputation—“a good name is more desirable than great riches” (Proverbs 22:1). Other Proverbs That Champion Honesty 1. Speech that Is Truthful • 12:17 – “He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness, deceit.” • 12:19 – “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.” • 16:13 – “Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is loved.” • 24:26 – “An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.” 2. Warnings Against Lying • 6:16-19 – Of the seven abominations the LORD hates, two involve lying: “a lying tongue” and “a false witness who pours out lies.” • 13:5 – “The righteous hate falsehood, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.” • 17:7 – “Eloquent words are unfit for a fool; how much worse lying lips to a ruler!” • 26:24-28 – An extended portrait of the dangers and eventual exposure of deceitful speech. 3. Legal and Testimonial Honesty • 14:25 – “A truthful witness saves lives, but one who utters lies is deceitful.” • 19:5 – “A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will not escape.” • 19:9 – “Again: A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish.” • 21:28 – “A lying witness will perish, but the man who listens will speak forever.” • 25:18 – “Like a club or sword or sharp arrow is the one who bears false witness against his neighbor.” 4. Integrity in Everyday Dealings • 11:1 – “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight.” • 19:1 – “Better a poor man who walks in integrity than a dishonest man whose lips are perverse.” • 20:17 – “Food gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth is full of gravel.” • 21:6 – “Making a fortune by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor, a deadly snare.” • 28:6 – “Better a poor man who walks in integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.” Connecting Threads Beyond Proverbs • Exodus 20:16 sets the foundational command: “You shall not bear false witness.” • Psalm 15:1-2 shows that dwelling in God’s presence requires speaking truth “from the heart.” • Ephesians 4:25 urges believers: “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor.” Practical Takeaways • Speak plainly; avoid exaggeration or half-truths. • Examine motives—honesty flows from a heart aligned with God. • Cultivate accountability; invite others to challenge you when your words drift from truth. • Celebrate truth in others; commend a spouse, child, or coworker when they choose honesty over convenience. Living out these proverbs guards our witness, blesses our relationships, and honors the God who “cannot lie” (Titus 1:2). |
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