What is the meaning of Proverbs 14:25?

A truthful witness

“A truthful witness saves lives…” (Proverbs 14:25a)

• A witness speaks from first-hand knowledge; truthfulness is the baseline God requires (Exodus 20:16; Proverbs 12:17; Proverbs 14:5).

• Telling the truth honors the God who “cannot lie” (Titus 1:2) and points others to Christ, “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).

• Truthful testimony builds trust in families, churches, courts, and communities (Ephesians 4:25).

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Saves lives

• In courtrooms, honest testimony can spare the innocent from punishment and keep the guilty from harming others (Deuteronomy 19:15–21).

• Spiritually, faithful proclamation of the gospel delivers people from eternal death (Romans 10:14–15; James 5:19–20).

• Everyday truth-telling protects reputations and prevents needless conflict (Proverbs 12:18).

• God often uses a single honest voice to rescue many—think of Esther speaking up for her people (Esther 7:3–4) or Paul warning sailors so none would perish (Acts 27:21–24).

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One who utters lies

“…but one who utters lies is deceitful.” (Proverbs 14:25b)

• “Utters” signals a pattern; deceit has become the person’s native language (Psalm 52:3–4).

• Lies serve self-interest, not neighbor-love (Proverbs 26:28); they distort justice (Isaiah 59:14–15).

• Behind every lie lurks the father of lies, Satan (John 8:44).

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Is deceitful

• Deceitfulness corrupts character (Jeremiah 17:9) and fractures relationships (Proverbs 25:18).

• God detests lying lips (Proverbs 6:16–19) and will judge every idle word (Matthew 12:36; Revelation 21:8).

• Hidden deceit eventually comes to light (Luke 12:2–3), while the liar’s influence withers (Proverbs 19:5).

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summary

Proverbs 14:25 contrasts two paths: truthful testimony that preserves life and lying speech that springs from—and deepens—deceit. God calls His people to be trustworthy voices who reflect His own truthfulness, protect the innocent, and point others to the life found in Christ.