What is the meaning of Proverbs 14:5? An honest witness “An honest witness does not deceive…” (Proverbs 14:5a) • A witness is someone called on to speak the truth of what they have seen or know. God commands absolute truthfulness in that role (Exodus 20:16; Proverbs 14:25). • Truth-telling reflects God’s own character; “God is not a man, that He should lie” (Numbers 23:19). • The faithful believer follows the Lord Jesus, “the faithful and true Witness” (Revelation 1:5), and therefore seeks to model His integrity. • When a believer testifies honestly—whether in court, conversation, or sharing the gospel—others receive a clear, reliable picture of reality (Proverbs 12:17). does not deceive “…does not deceive…” (Proverbs 14:5a) • Deception is intentionally bending or hiding the truth. The righteous person refuses that path. • Scripture links lying to the old life of sin and urges us: “Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25). • Colossians 3:9-10 reminds us that honesty flows from the “new self” created in Christ. • Because God “cannot lie” (Titus 1:2), any deliberate deception distances us from Him; honesty keeps fellowship open and vibrant. but a dishonest witness “…but a dishonest witness…” (Proverbs 14:5b) • “Dishonest” points to a person already shaped by falsehood (Proverbs 19:5). • False witnesses stood against both Jesus (Matthew 26:59-60) and Stephen (Acts 6:13); their example shows how dishonesty aligns with opposition to God’s work. • The Mosaic Law treated lying under oath as a grave offense, prescribing the very penalty intended for the accused (Deuteronomy 19:16-19). • Habitual dishonesty signals a heart untouched by God’s truth (Psalm 27:12). pours forth lies “…pours forth lies.” (Proverbs 14:5b) • The Hebrew image is of a gushing spring; once deceit gains control, lies flow freely and inevitably (Proverbs 6:16-19). • Jesus identified the ultimate source: “When he lies, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). • Lies not only corrupt the speaker but harm everyone who drinks from that polluted stream (Psalm 5:9). • Acts 5:3-4 shows the seriousness of lying to God’s people—Ananias and Sapphira’s deception cost them their lives. • Persistent lying leads to hardened consciences (1 Timothy 4:2) and, if unrepented, eternal separation from God (Revelation 21:8). summary Proverbs 14:5 draws a stark line: righteousness tells the truth; wickedness manufactures lies. Because God Himself is perfectly truthful, His people must prize honesty in every word and testimony. Truth brings clarity, builds trust, safeguards justice, and honors the Lord, while deceit destroys, divides, and invites judgment. Choosing to be an honest witness is therefore both a moral duty and a joyful reflection of our truthful God. |
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