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.

Scripture does not leave this subject in the realm of earthly consequences alone. Revelations clearly speaks of the eternal judgment reserved for liars: “But the fearful, and unbelieving… and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Rev. 21:8) “For without [the heavenly city] are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” (Rev. 22:15)

These are not idle threats. They show the eternal seriousness of truth in God’s kingdom. The unrepentant liar, especially the one who lives by deceit, chooses a path that leads away from God and ultimately to destruction. The world may tolerate lies, excuse them, or even reward them in politics, business, or social relationships. But God’s standard is eternal and unchanging. He sees every false word, and He will judge righteously. At the same time, the gospel offers mercy and transformation. Through Christ, the liar can be forgiven, cleansed, and changed into one who loves truth:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1Jn. 1:9) Proverbs 19:5 and 9 firmly declare that false witnesses and habitual liars will not escape punishment, whether in this life or the next. God’s justice will prevail. All lies will be exposed, and all liars judged unless they repent. Revelation warns that liars have no place in the eternal kingdom, but rather face eternal separation in the lake of fire. Yet in Christ, there is hope, forgiveness, and the power to change and always live in truth.

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…