Proverbs 12:17
Proverbs 12:17 in Multiple Translations
He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit.
He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
He that uttereth truth showeth forth righteousness; But a false witness, deceit.
The breathing out of true words gives knowledge of righteousness; but a false witness gives out deceit.
Whoever tells the truth is being honest, but a false witness tells lies.
He that speaketh trueth, will shewe righteousnes: but a false witnes vseth deceite.
Whoso uttereth faithfulness declareth righteousness, And a false witness — deceit.
He who is truthful testifies honestly, but a false witness lies.
He that speaketh truth showeth forth righteousness: but a false witness, deceit.
He that speaketh that which he knoweth, sheweth forth justice: but he that lieth, is a deceitful witness.
In the courtroom, honest people say what is true, but untruthful/dishonest people tell nothing but lies.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 12:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 12:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יָפִ֣יחַ
אֱ֭מוּנָה
יַגִּ֣יד
צֶ֑דֶק
וְ/עֵ֖ד
שְׁקָרִ֣ים
מִרְמָֽה
יָפִ֣יחַ
pûwach
H6315
to breathe
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
אֱ֭מוּנָה
ʼĕmûwnâh
H530
faithfulness
N-fs
יַגִּ֣יד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
צֶ֑דֶק
tsedeq
H6664
Righteousness
N-ms
וְ/עֵ֖ד
ʻêd
H5707
witness
Conj | N-ms
שְׁקָרִ֣ים
sheqer
H8267
deception
N-mp
מִרְמָֽה
mirmâh
H4820
deceit
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 12:17
יָפִ֣יחַ
pûwach
H6315
"to breathe"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to breathe or blow air, and is used in various ways, such as to fan a breeze or kindle a fire. It can also mean to utter or speak. In the Bible, it appears in contexts like Exodus and Psalms, describing God's breath or a person's utterance.
Definition: 1) to breathe, blow 1a) (Qal) to breathe 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to exhale or breathe 1b2) to puff, snort 1b3) to excite, inflame 1b4) to puff, pant for it 1b5) to breathe out, utter 1b6) to blow, blast
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: blow (upon), break, puff, bring into a snare, speak, utter. See also: Psalms 10:5; Proverbs 19:9; Psalms 12:6.
אֱ֭מוּנָה
ʼĕmûwnâh
H530
"faithfulness"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for faithfulness, meaning firmness, security, or fidelity. It describes being steady and trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations of faith, stability, and truth. This concept is essential in the Bible, particularly in relationships and commitments.
Definition: firmness, fidelity, steadfastness, steadiness
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: faith(-ful, -ly, -ness, (man)), set office, stability, steady, truly, truth, verily. See also: Exodus 17:12; Psalms 89:50; Psalms 33:4.
יַגִּ֣יד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
צֶ֑דֶק
tsedeq
H6664
"Righteousness"
N-ms
Represents the idea of righteousness or justice, often referring to God's character or the standard for human behavior. It is closely tied to the concept of morality and what is right. The word is used to describe the ideal for human conduct and society.
Definition: This name means justice, righteousness Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 119:138; Psalms 4:2.
וְ/עֵ֖ד
ʻêd
H5707
"witness"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word means witness or testimony, describing someone who sees or experiences something. It's used in the Bible to talk about people who testify to what they've seen, like in Deuteronomy when describing legal witnesses.
Definition: 1) witness 1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things) 1b) witness (of people)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: witness. See also: Genesis 31:44; Psalms 27:12; Psalms 35:11.
שְׁקָרִ֣ים
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
N-mp
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain
Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.
מִרְמָֽה
mirmâh
H4820
"deceit"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means deceit or cheating, like when someone tricks or lies to another person. It appears in stories about dishonest people, like in Jeremiah 8:10, where the prophet talks about the deceit of the Israelites. The word is often translated as 'deceit' or 'craft' in English Bibles.
Definition: deceit, treachery
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: craft, deceit(-ful, -fully), false, feigned, guile, subtilly, treachery. See also: Genesis 27:35; Proverbs 11:1; Psalms 5:7.
Study Notes — Proverbs 12:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 12:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 12:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 12:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:17
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 12:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:17
- Sermons on Proverbs 12:17
Context — Loving Discipline and Knowledge
15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.
16A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
17He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit.
18Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 19Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 14:5 | An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies. |
| 2 | Proverbs 14:25 | A truthful witness saves lives, but one who utters lies is deceitful. |
| 3 | Proverbs 24:28 | Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips. |
| 4 | Proverbs 6:19 | a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers. |
| 5 | Proverbs 19:28 | A corrupt witness mocks justice, and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity. |
| 6 | Proverbs 19:5 | A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape. |
| 7 | Matthew 15:19 | For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. |
| 8 | Proverbs 21:28 | A lying witness will perish, but the man who listens to truth will speak forever. |
| 9 | Matthew 26:59 | Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 22:14–15 | Ahimelech answered the king, “Who among all your servants is as faithful as David, the king’s son-in-law, the captain of your bodyguard who is honored in your house? Was that day the first time I inquired of God for him? Far be it from me! Let not the king accuse your servant or any of my father’s household, for your servant knew nothing of this whole affair—not in part or in whole.” |
Proverbs 12:17 Summary
[This verse reminds us that speaking the truth is important because it declares what is right and honors God. When we speak the truth, we reflect the character of God, who is a God of truth, as seen in Psalm 119:160. On the other hand, speaking deceitfully can harm ourselves and others, and is warned against in Proverbs 12:19, where it says that truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. By seeking to speak the truth in love, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:15, we can build trust and bring healing to those around us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the importance of speaking the truth in our daily lives?
Speaking the truth is crucial as it declares what is right and reflects the character of God, as seen in Proverbs 12:17, and is also emphasized in Ephesians 4:25, where we are encouraged to speak the truth in love.
How can we distinguish between a true witness and a false one?
A true witness speaks the truth, while a false witness speaks deceit, as stated in Proverbs 12:17, and this principle is also seen in Deuteronomy 19:16-19, where the punishment for a false witness is outlined.
What are the consequences of speaking deceitfully?
Speaking deceitfully can lead to harm and damage to ourselves and others, as seen in the contrast between the false witness in Proverbs 12:17 and the truthful lips that endure forever in Proverbs 12:19, and is also warned against in Colossians 3:9-10, where we are instructed to put off the old self and put on the new self.
How can we cultivate a habit of speaking the truth in our lives?
We can cultivate a habit of speaking the truth by seeking to honor God in all our words and actions, as encouraged in Psalm 119:160, and by being mindful of the impact our words have on others, as seen in Proverbs 18:21, where the power of life and death is in the tongue.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I struggle to speak the truth, and how can I seek to honor God in those areas?
- How can I balance speaking the truth with speaking in love, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:15?
- What are the potential consequences of speaking deceitfully in my relationships, and how can I work to build trust with others by speaking the truth?
- In what ways can I use my words to bring healing and life to those around me, as seen in Proverbs 12:18?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 12:17
[He that] speaketh truth showeth forth righteousness,.... He that "blows" or "breathes out truth" (d), as the word signifies; that utters it freely and fully without any hesitation; that speaks
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 12:17
He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. (He that) speaketh (literally, breatheth; Hebrew, yaphiach) truth showeth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:17
He that speaketh truth, Heb. He that will speak truth, i.e. he who accustometh himself to speak truth in common conversation; for the future tense in the Hebrew tongue oft notes a continued act or habit. Showeth forth righteousness, to wit, as a witness in public judgment; he will speak nothing but what is true and just; you may depend upon his testimony. But a false witness deceit; he who useth himself to lying in his common talk will use falsehood and deceit in judgment.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:17
Proverbs 12:17 [He that] speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.Ver. 17. He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness.] Will be ready to help the truth in necessity, and will do it boldly, as the word signifies - even with a courage not budging, for "Charity rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, hut rejoiceth in the truth." But a false witness uttereth deceit.] Coloureth his sycophancies with plausible pretences, and faceth down an untruth. "The proud have forged a lie against me." The Hebrew hath it, Assuunt mendacium mendacio, They eke out one lie with another; they are loud and lewd liars; as Egesippus saith of Pilate, that he was Vir nequam et parvi faciens mendacium. What is truth? said he, scornfully, to our Saviour, q.d., Thy life is in question, and dost thou talk of truth?
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 12:17
The thought which lies below the surface is that of the inseparable union between truth and justice. The end does not justify the means, and only he who breathes and utters truth makes the righteous cause clear.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:17
17. Speaketh — Hebrew, breathes forth. Truth — Makes an honest and faithful statement. Showeth forth — Publishes or establishes. Righteousness — A just cause.
Sermons on Proverbs 12:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Foot Yet in the Snare by James Nayler | James Nayler exposes the deceit and confusion caused by false witnesses who slander the truth professed by the Quakers. He highlights the dangers of being led astray by one's own h |
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Have You Got It? by Ernest O'Neill | Ernest O'Neill uses the analogy of a math teacher giving calculators to students to illustrate how God's laws were given to show the need for superhuman life, not just human effort |
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Revival Begins in the House of God by Ralph Ovadal | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for individuals to acknowledge and repent for wasting their lives. He encourages humility and acceptance of wrongdoing, urging list |
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Evangelism and the Layman #2 by Ernest C. Reisinger | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of directing people to the Bible rather than diverting them from it. He had a plan to talk about evangelism, focusing on the ma |
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(Proverbs) ch.18:4 - 19:5 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the danger of building a crowd of admirers based on generosity, as it can hinder the growth of the body of Christ. The Bible warns that a fal |
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(Proverbs) ch.19:5 - 20:6 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the consequences of lying and the importance of following God's laws. He emphasizes that no one can escape the punishment for their sins, as |
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Some Indirect Ways of Lying by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller addresses the various forms of untruthfulness, emphasizing that lies can be conveyed through tone, emphasis, and even statistics. He categorizes lies into three types: |