Proverbs 19:5

5 ¹A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who ²breathes out lies 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 When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the Lord.

4 Wealth brings many new friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend.

5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.

6 Many seek the favor of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.

7 All a poor man’s brothers hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He pursues them with words, but does not have them.

Cross References

• 1. 19:5 [ch. 12:19; 21:28]; See Deut. 19:16-19
• 2. 19:5 See ch. 6:19