Proverbs 12:17
He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
Original Language Analysis
יָפִ֣יחַ
He that speaketh
H6315
יָפִ֣יחַ
He that speaketh
Strong's:
H6315
Word #:
1 of 7
to puff, i.e., blow with the breath or air; hence, to fan (as a breeze), to utter, to kindle (a fire), to scoff
אֱ֭מוּנָה
truth
H530
אֱ֭מוּנָה
truth
Strong's:
H530
Word #:
2 of 7
literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity
יַגִּ֣יד
sheweth forth
H5046
יַגִּ֣יד
sheweth forth
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
צֶ֑דֶק
righteousness
H6664
צֶ֑דֶק
righteousness
Strong's:
H6664
Word #:
4 of 7
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
וְעֵ֖ד
witness
H5707
וְעֵ֖ד
witness
Strong's:
H5707
Word #:
5 of 7
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
Cross References
Proverbs 14:25A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.Proverbs 14:5A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.Proverbs 6:19A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.Proverbs 24:28Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.Proverbs 19:5A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.Proverbs 21:28A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.Proverbs 19:28An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.Matthew 15:19For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
Historical Context
Reflects legal context where witness testimony determined guilt or innocence. False witness could result in innocent persons' execution, making truthful testimony essential to justice.
Questions for Reflection
- How consistently does your speech demonstrate righteousness through truthfulness?
- What tempts you toward false witness in various contexts?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
He that speaks truth shows forth righteousness, but a false witness deceit. The parallel structure equates truth-telling with righteousness, false witness with deceit. Speaking truth is moral obligation, not merely practical expedient. False witness (ed shaqer - lying testimony) violates the ninth commandment and perverts justice. Truth-telling manifests righteousness; lying manifests wickedness.