Proverbs 21:28

28 A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully.

Proverbs 21:28 in Other Translations

28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.

28 A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure.

28 A false witness will be cut off, but a credible witness will be allowed to speak.

28 A lying witness is unconvincing; a person who speaks truth is respected.

28 A lying witness will perish, but the one who listens will speak 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.

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FOOTNOTES:

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

Proverbs 21:28 In-Context

26 All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing.

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable— how much more so when brought with evil intent!

28 A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully.

29 The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright give thought to their ways.

30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.

Cross References

• 1. Isaiah 29:21
• 2. S Proverbs 19:5