Proverbs 12:19
Proverbs 12:19 in Multiple Translations
Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
The lip of truth shall be established for ever; But a lying tongue is but for a moment.
True lips are certain for ever, but a false tongue is only for a minute.
Words of truth last forever, but lies are gone in a moment.
The lip of trueth shall be stable for euer: but a lying tongue varieth incontinently.
The lip of truth is established for ever, And for a moment — a tongue of falsehood.
Truth’s lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only momentary.
The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
The lip of truth shall be steadfast for ever: but he that is a hasty witness, frameth a lying tongue.
When people tell [MTY] lies, others soon realize that what they said is not true [IDM]; but when people say what is true, others will remember that forever.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 12:19
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 12:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שְֽׂפַת
אֱ֭מֶת
תִּכּ֣וֹן
לָ/עַ֑ד
וְ/עַד
אַ֝רְגִּ֗יעָה
לְשׁ֣וֹן
שָֽׁקֶר
שְֽׂפַת
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fs
אֱ֭מֶת
ʼemeth
H571
truth
N-fs
תִּכּ֣וֹן
kûwn
H3559
to establish
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
לָ/עַ֑ד
ʻad
H5703
perpetuity
Prep | N-ms
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Conj | Prep
אַ֝רְגִּ֗יעָה
râgaʻ
H7280
to disturb
V-Hiphil-1cs
לְשׁ֣וֹן
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
N-cs
שָֽׁקֶר
sheqer
H8267
deception
N-ms
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 12:19
שְֽׂפַת
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fs
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
אֱ֭מֶת
ʼemeth
H571
"truth"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.
תִּכּ֣וֹן
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
לָ/עַ֑ד
ʻad
H5703
"perpetuity"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means forever or eternity, describing something that has no end, like God's existence. It's used in the Bible to talk about things that last forever. In Genesis, it describes God's eternal nature.
Definition: 1) perpetuity, for ever, continuing future 1a) ancient (of past time) 1b) for ever (of future time) 1b1) of continuous existence 1c) for ever (of God's existence)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: eternity, ever(-lasting, -more), old, perpetually, [phrase] world without end. See also: Exodus 15:18; Psalms 111:3; Psalms 9:6.
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
אַ֝רְגִּ֗יעָה
râgaʻ
H7280
"to disturb"
V-Hiphil-1cs
This verb means to harden or toss violently, but also to quiet or settle something. It can describe the sudden movement of the sea or the skin with boils.
Definition: 1) to act in an instant, stir up, disturb 1a) (Qal) to stir up, disturb 1b) (Hiphil) to make a twinkling
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: break, divide, find ease, be a moment, (cause, give, make to) rest, make suddenly. See also: Deuteronomy 28:65; Isaiah 51:15; Proverbs 12:19.
לְשׁ֣וֹן
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
N-cs
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
שָֽׁקֶר
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
N-ms
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.
Study Notes — Proverbs 12:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 12:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 12:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 12:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 12:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 12:19
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 12:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:19
- Sermons on Proverbs 12:19
Context — Loving Discipline and Knowledge
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.
20Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but the counselors of peace have joy. 21No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 19:9 | A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish. |
| 2 | Psalms 52:4–5 | You love every word that devours, O deceitful tongue. Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin; He will snatch you up and tear you away from your tent; He will uproot you from the land of the living. Selah |
| 3 | Job 20:5 | the triumph of the wicked has been brief and the joy of the godless momentary? |
| 4 | Zechariah 1:4–6 | Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Turn now from your evil ways and deeds.’ But they did not listen or pay attention to Me, declares the LORD. Where are your fathers now? And the prophets, do they live forever? But did not My words and My statutes, which I commanded My servants the prophets, overtake your fathers? They repented and said, ‘Just as the LORD of Hosts purposed to do to us according to our ways and deeds, so He has done to us.’” |
| 5 | Matthew 24:35 | Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. |
| 6 | Acts 5:3–10 | Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!” On hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great fear came over all who heard what had happened. Then the young men stepped forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. About three hours later his wife also came in, unaware of what had happened. “Tell me,” said Peter, “is this the price you and your husband got for the land?” “Yes,” she answered, “that is the price.” “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord?” Peter replied. “Look, the feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” At that instant she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. |
Proverbs 12:19 Summary
Proverbs 12:19 teaches us that honesty is always the best policy, and that speaking the truth has lasting consequences. When we tell the truth, we build trust and respect with others, and we please God (as seen in Psalm 15:2). On the other hand, lying and dishonesty may seem easy or convenient in the moment, but they ultimately lead to trouble and hurt relationships (as seen in Exodus 20:16). By choosing to speak the truth in love, we can cultivate healthy relationships and a clear conscience, and we can trust that God will bless our efforts to be honest and integrity-filled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for truthful lips to endure forever?
According to Proverbs 12:19, truthful lips endure forever, meaning that honesty and integrity have lasting consequences and are pleasing to God, as seen in Psalm 15:2, where it is written that those who walk blamelessly and do what is right will dwell on God's holy hill.
Is it ever okay to tell a lie, even if it's a small one?
Proverbs 12:19 makes it clear that a lying tongue lasts only a moment, implying that dishonesty is never acceptable, as also seen in Exodus 20:16, where bearing false witness is listed as one of the Ten Commandments.
How can I cultivate truthful lips in my own life?
To cultivate truthful lips, we must strive to speak the truth in love, as Ephesians 4:15 instructs, and be mindful of the words we speak, as Psalm 34:13 encourages us to keep our tongue from evil and our lips from speaking deceit.
What is the contrast between truthful lips and a lying tongue in this verse?
The contrast between truthful lips and a lying tongue in Proverbs 12:19 highlights the difference between enduring, lasting consequences of honesty and the fleeting, momentary nature of dishonesty, as also seen in Proverbs 10:32, where the lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I struggle with speaking the truth, and how can I ask God to help me cultivate honesty in those areas?
- How do I feel when someone lies to me, and how can I extend grace and forgiveness to those who have deceived me?
- In what ways can I use my words to build others up and speak life, rather than tearing them down with dishonesty or gossip?
- What are some practical ways I can practice speaking the truth in love, even in difficult or challenging situations?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 12:19
The lip of truth shall be established for ever,.... The man that speaks truth is and will be established in his credit and reputation among men; he is uniform and all of a piece, and what he says is
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 12:19
The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. The lip of truth shall be established forever. He whose lips speak truth shall be established forever in the favour of God and of man.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:19
The speaker of truth is constant, and always agreeable to himself, and his words, the more and longer they are tried, the more doth the truth of them appear; whereas liars, though they may make a fair show for a season, yet are easily and quickly convicted of falsehood.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:19
Proverbs 12:19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue [is] but for a moment.Ver. 19. The lips of truth shall be established for ever.] Veritas odium parit: Truth breeds hatred: a good mistress she is, but he that follows her too close at heels, may hap have his teeth struck out. He that prizeth truth, shall never prosper by the possession or profession thereof, saith Sir Walter Raleigh. This is most true, for the most part, of "the truth of the gospel," "the doctrine according to godliness" - "sweet in the mouth, but bitter in the belly"; very pleasant in itself, but the publishing of it, whereby the fruit of it might come to the rest of the members, is full of trouble and anguish. How many faithful witnesses of the truth have lost their lives in the defence of it! All which notwithstanding, "the lips of truth shall be established," saith the Spirit here. ‘ Great is the truth, and shall prevail.’ He that loseth his life in Christ’ s cause, shall find it in heaven; "his name" also "shall be famous upon earth; the generation of the upright shall be blessed." The lying tongue is but for a moment.] As is to be seen in Gehazi, in Ananias and Sapphira, in Doeg, and others; - "God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, and root thee out of the land of the living." Did he not deal so by Julian, Ecebolius, Latomus, Bomelius, Pendleton, Harding, and others, both ancient and modern, renegades and apostates? "How are they brought into desolation as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terror." Hist., lib. i. c. 1.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 12:19
(19) A lying tongue is but for a moment.—Being detected and silenced by the providence of God, (Comp. Psalms 64:7-8.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 12:19
Verse 19. A lying tongue is but for a moment.] Truth stands for ever; because its foundation is indestructible: but falsehood may soon be detected; and, though it gain credit for a while, it had that credit because it was supposed to be truth.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 12:19
19. but for a moment] Lit. while I wink. Comp. Jeremiah 49:19, where the word is rendered, suddenly.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:19
19. Lying tongue… for a moment — Hebrew, until I can wink; the twinkling of an eye. The sense is: He that speaks truth is safe, but a liar shall quickly perish. On first clause compare Zechariah 1:5-6; Matthew 24:35.
Sermons on Proverbs 12:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Witness of Truth by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being people of truth and living a sincere and authentic life. He shares a personal story about his daughter's mission work |
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Truth Established by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the enduring nature of truth as expressed in Proverbs 12:19, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of falsehood. He encourages believers to remain steadf |
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Walking in Truth by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of walking in truth, arguing that compromising with error to escape the burdens of righteousness is not an option for true followers of Christ. |
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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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Lying Lips by Erlo Stegen | This sermon focuses on the seriousness of lying according to Proverbs 12:22, highlighting how lying lips are an abomination to the Lord. The speaker emphasizes the importance of sp |
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Some of the Mis Representations by Job Scott | In this sermon, the preacher exposes the misrepresentations contained in a pamphlet titled 'A Letter from a Friend in America to Luke Howard of Tottenham, near London.' The preache |
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The Ignatian Epistles Entirely Spurious - Part 3 by William Dool Killen | William Dool Killen preaches about the controversy surrounding the date of the martyrdom of Polycarp and its implications on the Ignatian Epistles. He discusses the arguments prese |