Proverbs 19:5 Meaning and Explanation
“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Lying and false testimony will eventually meet with judgment.
The Context of Proverbs 19:5
Divine justice pursues those who lie and give false testimony.
What Does Proverbs 19:5 Mean?
In a covenant community, legal proceedings depend on truthful witnesses. A false witness corrupts the entire system, allowing the guilty to escape and the innocent to suffer. God's justice will not ignore this corruption; the liar will face punishment. The promise isn't about human detection alone, but about ultimate accountability before God.
Whether through exposure, legal consequence, divine judgment, or the internal weight of conscience, the lie does not stand. This verse reassures the truth-keeper that falsehood carries a cost. It also warns the tempted deceiver that dishonesty, however successful in the moment, will not escape reckoning.
Proverbs 19:5 in the Original Language
Sheqer (שֶׁקֶר), 'lies' — untruth, deception; speech designed to mislead and harm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 19:5
What does Proverbs 19:5 mean?
Lying and false testimony will eventually meet with judgment.
What is the context of Proverbs 19:5?
Divine justice pursues those who lie and give false testimony.