Proverbs 14:5 - The Wise Woman

Audio Bible

Context

The Wise Woman
…4Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of the ox. 5An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies. 6A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.…

Cross References

Exodus 20:16
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.Deuteronomy 19:15-21
A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. / If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime, / both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time. ...Psalm 27:12
Do not hand me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.Psalm 35:11
Hostile witnesses come forward; they make charges I know nothing about.Psalm 101:7
No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who tells lies shall stand in my presence.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, ...Proverbs 12:17
He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit.Proverbs 19:5
A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.Proverbs 19:9
A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish.Proverbs 21:28
A lying witness will perish, but the man who listens to truth will speak forever.Isaiah 59:4
No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case honestly. They rely on empty pleas; they tell lies; they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity.Jeremiah 9:3-5
“They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD. / “Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. / Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity.Zechariah 8:16-17
These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another, render true and sound judgments in your gates, / do not plot evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely, for I hate all these things,” declares the LORD.Matthew 5:11
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.Matthew 26:59-60
Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. / But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward

Proverbs 4:25
Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

Proverbs 6:19
A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Proverbs 12:17
He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.

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Proverbs 14

An honest witness does not deceive
An honest witness is one who speaks truthfully and reliably, reflecting the biblical principle of integrity. In ancient Israel, the role of a witness was crucial in legal proceedings, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:15, which emphasizes the need for multiple witnesses to establish a matter. The Ninth Commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16), underscores the importance of truthfulness. This phrase aligns with the character of God, who is described as a God of truth (Psalm 31:5). Jesus Christ, referred to as the "faithful and true witness" in Revelation 3:14, embodies this principle, serving as the ultimate example of honesty and integrity.

but a dishonest witness pours forth lies
A dishonest witness, in contrast, is one who deliberately distorts the truth, leading to injustice and harm. The imagery of "pouring forth" suggests an abundance or overflow of falsehoods, indicating a habitual pattern of deceit. This behavior is condemned throughout Scripture, as seen in Proverbs 6:16-19, where lying is listed among the things the Lord detests. The cultural context of the ancient Near East placed a high value on community and reputation, making the act of bearing false witness particularly damaging. The consequences of such deceit are severe, as illustrated in the story of Naboth's vineyard (1 Kings 21), where false testimony led to Naboth's unjust execution. This phrase serves as a warning against the destructive power of lies and the importance of upholding truth in all circumstances.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God.

2. Israel
The nation to whom the Proverbs were originally addressed. The cultural and legal context of Israel placed a high value on truthful testimony, especially in legal matters.

3. Witness
In the context of ancient Israel, a witness was someone who testified in legal or communal matters. The integrity of a witness was crucial for justice and societal harmony.

Teaching Points

The Value of Truthfulness
Truthfulness is foundational to justice and trust within a community. As believers, we are called to reflect God's truth in our words and actions.

The Consequences of Dishonesty
Dishonesty not only harms others but also damages our relationship with God. A dishonest witness disrupts justice and can lead to widespread harm.

Integrity in All Circumstances
Whether in legal matters, personal relationships, or everyday interactions, maintaining integrity is crucial. Our witness as Christians is strengthened by our commitment to truth.

Reflecting God's Character
God is a God of truth, and as His image-bearers, we are called to reflect His character. Our honesty is a testimony to His nature and work in our lives.

Lists and Questions

Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 14What do customers say about their experience with us?What defines Machiavellianism?What constitutes marriage fraud?What defines Machiavellianism?

Verse 5. - A repetition of Proverbs 12:17 (see also Proverbs 6:19). A faithful witness cannot be induced to swerve from the truth by threat or bribe. Will utter; Hebrew, breatheth forth. A false witness with no compulsion, as it were naturally, puts forth lies (comp. ver. 25; Proverbs 19:5). Septuagint, " An unrighteous witness kindleth (ἐκκαίει) falsehood." Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

An honest
אֱ֭מוּנִים (’ĕ·mū·nîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 529: Established, trusty, trustworthiness

witness
עֵ֣ד (‘êḏ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5707: A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince

does not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

deceive,
יְכַזֵּ֑ב (yə·ḵaz·zêḇ)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3576: To lie, be a liar

but a dishonest
שָֽׁקֶר׃ (šā·qer)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8267: Deception, disappointment, falsehood

witness
עֵ֣ד (‘êḏ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5707: A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince

pours forth
וְיָפִ֥יחַ (wə·yā·p̄î·aḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6315: To puff, blow with the breath, air, to fan, to utter, to kindle, to scoff

lies.
כְּ֝זָבִ֗ים (kə·zā·ḇîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3577: A lie, falsehood, deceptive thing

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Proverbs 14:5 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Proverbs 14:5 A truthful witness will not lie (Prov. Pro Pr)