Proverbs 19:5, 9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaks lies shall not escape. A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaks lies shall perish.
These two verses, nearly identical in structure, emphasise the certainty and severity of judgment for those who lie, especially in matters of testimony and justice. The repetition serves as a double warning: lying may offer a temporary advantage, but it will ultimately lead to ruin.
A false witness is someone who intentionally distorts the truth, particularly in legal or serious matters, putting others at risk. The Hebrew concept includes not just lying in court, but any deliberate misrepresentation that harms others. God’s law was clear about this: “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour” (Exodus 20:16).
Such a sin strikes at the heart of justice and truth, two things that are foundational to God’s character and kingdom. The Lord is a God of truth (Deut. 32:4), and He abhors deceit.
Both verses assure that a false witness will “not go unpunished.” The justice of God cannot be mocked or delayed forever. Even if the liar escapes human consequences, they will not escape divine judgment.
The phrase “he that speaks lies shall not escape” (v.5) and “shall perish” (v.9) further intensify the warning. Lying is not merely a moral weakness; it is a soul-destroying sin when practised deliberately and unrepentantly. It shows alignment not with God, but with the devil, who is called “the father of lies” (John 8:44).
To be continued…
Living the Word 