Proverbs 19:5

5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and a liar will not escape.

Proverbs 19:5 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 19:5

A false witness shall not be unpunished
He that bears false witness against his neighbour in an open court of judicature; though be may not be detected by men, and so escape the punishment due to such offenders by the laws of God and men; yet God, who knows all hearts and actions, will not suffer him to go with impunity; if not punished in this world, he shall be in the world to come; for bearing false witness, or perjury, is a grievous offence to God; and [he that] speaketh lies shall not escape;
even he that useth himself to lying in private conversation shall not escape the reproach of men; for nothing is more scandalous than lying; nor the wrath of God, such shall have their portion in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, ( Revelation 21:8 ) .

Proverbs 19:5 In-Context

3 One's own folly leads to ruin, yet the heart rages against the Lord.
4 Wealth brings many friends, but the poor are left friendless.
5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and a liar will not escape.
6 Many seek the favor of the generous, and everyone is a friend to a giver of gifts.
7 If the poor are hated even by their kin, how much more are they shunned by their friends! When they call after them, they are not there.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.