Proverbs 21:28

28 A lying witness is doomed, but one who heard [what was said] will testify successfully.

Proverbs 21:28 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 21:28

A false witness shall perish
As witness he shall perish in his reputation, no credit shall be given him, he shall not be admitted an evidence, or a witness in any cause, being found a false one; and as a man, he shall be punished in body or estate by the civil magistrate, and his soul shall perish eternally, unless he has true repentance for his sin: or, a witness of lies shall perish F11 it may be applied to any teacher of false doctrine; and to the man of sin, and his followers, that speak lies in hypocrisy; everyone that loves and makes a lie shall die the second death, and be excluded from eternal happiness, ( Revelation 21:8 Revelation 21:27 ) ; but the man that heareth;
before he speaks, and speaks what he hears, and does not devise things himself; but witnesses the truth, and nothing else, to the best of his knowledge: speaketh constantly;
invariably and consistently, what is all of a piece, and by which he ah, des; or "continually", as Jarchi; or "for ever"; he is made use of as a witness as long as he lives, whenever there is occasion for him; the Vulgate Latin version renders it, "he speaks victory"; his testimony, being true and valid, carries the cause: it, nay be applied to a faithful teacher, who hearkens to the word of God, and speaks according to that; such an one speaks out, he doctrine of the word constantly, boldly, with certainty, without any hesitation or staggering.


FOOTNOTES:

F11 (Mybzk de) "testis mendaciorum", Montanus, Junius & Tremellius, Cocceius, Gejerus, Michaelis, Schultens.

Proverbs 21:28 In-Context

26 he covets greedily all day long; but a righteous person gives without holding back.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with vile motives.
28 A lying witness is doomed, but one who heard [what was said] will testify successfully.
29 A wicked man puts on a bold face, whereas the upright prepares his ways.
30 No wisdom, discernment or counsel succeeds against ADONAI.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.