A false
witness shall not be unpunished. He who utters lies shall perish.
Proverbs 19:9
Proverbs 19 [5.] A false witness shall not be unpunished.
He who pours out lies shall not go free.
Many will entreat the favor of a ruler,
and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
All the relatives of the poor shun him:
how much more do his friends avoid him!
He pursues them with pleas, but they are gone.
He who gets wisdom loves his own soul.
He who keeps understanding shall find good.
A false witness shall not be unpunished.
He who utters lies shall perish.
Proverbs 19 [10.] Delicate living is not appropriate for a fool,
much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
Meaning:
In these words, Proverbs highlights the gravity of bearing false witness and the inevitable repercussions that follow, emphasizing the destructive impact of dishonesty on both the individual and the community.
- Consequences of False Witness:
Unpunished Deception: The opening assertion that "a false witness shall not be unpunished" underscores the certainty of consequences for those who engage in bearing false witness. The idea is that deception, particularly in the context of legal or moral testimony, does not go unnoticed or without repercussions.
Erosion of Trust: Falsehood erodes the foundation of trust upon which relationships, both personal and societal, are built. The warning suggests that the breach of this trust through dishonest testimony will not escape the consequences of justice.
- Perishing through Lies:
Destructive Power: The second part of the verse declares that "he who pours out lies shall perish." The imagery of pouring out lies suggests a deliberate and consistent act of deception, and the consequence is portrayed as a form of destruction or ruin.
Self-Inflicted Harm: The use of "perish" implies a self-inflicted harm resulting from the continuous act of lying. It suggests that the destructive consequences are not solely external but have a profound impact on the individual's well-being.
- Ethical Implications:
Moral Accountability: Proverbs 19:9 establishes a clear moral principle that individuals are accountable for the veracity of their words. The consequences mentioned go beyond legal repercussions, extending to a broader moral and ethical dimension.
Community Impact: The warning against false witnessing has implications for the broader community. In legal settings, false testimony can lead to miscarriages of justice, while in personal relationships, it can breed distrust and division within communities.
Practical Application:
Integrity in Speech: Proverbs 19:9 calls believers to uphold integrity in their speech. It challenges them to be conscientious about the veracity of their words, recognizing the ethical and moral implications of bearing false witness.
Building Trust: The verse underscores the importance of trust in relationships. Practically applying this wisdom involves fostering an environment of honesty, transparency, and trustworthiness in personal and communal interactions.
Cross-References:
Proverbs 12:19: "Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment." This verse echoes the theme of the enduring nature of truth and the transient nature of falsehood. It emphasizes the contrast between the lasting impact of truth and the temporary nature of lies.
Exodus 20:16: "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor." The Ninth Commandment aligns with the warning in Proverbs, emphasizing the moral imperative of truthful testimony and the prohibition against false witness.
In conclusion, Proverbs 19:9 serves as a stark reminder of the inevitable consequences of false witnessing and the destructive power of continuous lies. It challenges us to prioritize integrity in our speech, recognizing the enduring impact of truth and the perils of deceit.
See also: vs 5
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible