Proverbs 21:28 Meaning and Explanation
“A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →False witnesses face destruction; the one who listens carefully speaks truth consistently.
The Context of Proverbs 21:28
False witnesses perish; careful listeners speak truth.
What Does Proverbs 21:28 Mean?
A false witness—one who deliberately gives testimony that is untrue—shall perish. This is not gentle correction but destruction. To bear false witness is to align oneself with chaos and injustice; such a person's end is ruin.
In contrast, 'the man that heareth speaketh constantly'—the person who listens, pays attention, and takes care to understand before speaking—will speak consistently and truthfully. Listening precedes and enables genuine speech. The careful listener becomes a reliable speaker.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 21:28
What does Proverbs 21:28 mean?
False witnesses face destruction; the one who listens carefully speaks truth consistently.
What is the context of Proverbs 21:28?
False witnesses perish; careful listeners speak truth.