Proverbs 19:5

5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.

Proverbs 19:5 in Other Translations

KJV
5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
ESV
5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.
NLT
5 A false witness will not go unpunished, nor will a liar escape.
MSG
5 Perjury won't go unpunished. Would you let a liar go free?
CSB
5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters 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 A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the LORD.
4 Wealth attracts many friends, but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.
5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.
6 Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts.
7 The poor are shunned by all their relatives— how much more do their friends avoid them! Though the poor pursue them with pleading, they are nowhere to be found.

Cross References 3

  • 1. S Exodus 23:1
  • 2. S Psalms 56:7
  • 3. ver 9; S Deuteronomy 19:19; Proverbs 21:28
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