Proverbs 14:5

Modern

An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies.

Traditional

A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.

Literal

A witness of faithfulness does not lie, and a witness of deception breathes out lies.

Latin

Testis fidelis non mentitur; profert autem mendacium dolosus testis.

Hebrew

English

An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies.

Honest speech and lies both come from a person's character. Compare Proverbs 12:17.

Theme notes and profiles

Exodus 23:1
“You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness.
Proverbs 19:5
A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.
Proverbs 6:19
…a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers.
Proverbs 12:17
He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit.
Proverbs 14:25
A truthful witness saves lives, but one who utters lies is deceitful.
Proverbs 13:5
The righteous hate falsehood, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.
1 Kings 22:12–14
And all the prophets were prophesying the same, saying, “Go up to Ramoth-gilead and triumph, for the LORD will deliver it into the hand of the king.”
Proverbs 19:9
A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish.
1 Kings 21:13
And the two scoundrels came in and sat opposite Naboth, and these men testified against him before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king!” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death.
Exodus 20:16
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.