Proverbs 19:5

5 A ¹false witness will not go unpunished, And he who ²tells 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 The foolishness of man ruins his way, And his heart rages against the LORD .

4 Wealth adds many friends, But a poor man is separated from his friend.

5 A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who tells lies will not escape.

6 Many will seek the favor of a generous man, And every man is a friend to him who gives gifts.

7 All the brothers of a poor man hate him; How much more do his friends abandon him! He pursues them with words, but they are gone.

Cross References

• 1. Exodus 23:1; Deuteronomy 19:16-19; Proverbs 19:9; Proverbs 21:28
• 2. Proverbs 6:19

Footnotes

• [a] Lit "breathes"