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Zechariah 1:4-6
Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, andfrom your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the LORD…

Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

but

Proverbs 19:9
A false witness shall not be unpunished, andhe that speaketh lies shall perish.

Job 20:5
That the triumphing of the wickedis short, and the joy of the hypocritebut for a moment?

Psalm 52:5
God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out ofthy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.

but a lying tongue lasts only a moment
The transient nature of lies is emphasized here, suggesting that falsehood is ultimately futile and self-destructive. In the historical context, lying was not only a moral failing but also a practical danger, as it could lead to social discord and divine judgment. The Bible frequently warns against deceit, as seen in passages likePsalm 5:6, which states that God destroys those who speak falsehood. The temporary success of lies is contrasted with the eternal nature of truth, reinforcing the idea that deceit may offer short-term gains but ultimately leads to downfall. This principle is evident in the story of Ananias and Sapphira inActs 5, where their deceit leads to immediate judgment. The phrase also serves as a moral teaching, encouraging believers to pursue honesty and integrity, reflecting the character of Christ, who is described as "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).

“Truthful lips endure forever” (Proverbs 12:19a) highlights the lasting power of honesty.

• Truth aligns with the very character of God, “a God of faithfulness, without injustice” (Deuteronomy 32:4).

• What is spoken in truth remains reliable; it does not need to be retracted or amended. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35), showing that truth carries an eternal quality.

• Truthful speech builds trust and stability in relationships.Psalm 15:1-3 describes the one “who speaks the truth from his heart” as secure in God’s dwelling forever.

• In the long view, truth outlives opposition and persecution. Peter reminds believers that “the word of the Lord stands forever” (1 Peter 1:24-25), echoing the timelessness promised here.

“...but a lying tongue lasts only a moment” (Proverbs 12:19b) warns that deceit is short-lived.

• Lies may gain quick advantages, yet they unravel.Proverbs 19:5 assures, “A false witness will not go unpunished,” signaling that consequences are inevitable.

• Deception destroys credibility; once uncovered, it leaves a lasting stain.Psalm 52:4-5 depicts God uprooting the deceitful from the land of the living.

• Lies invite divine judgment. Ananias and Sapphira’s story inActs 5:1-11 shows how swiftly God can expose falsehood.

• The “moment” in Solomon’s proverb underscores the fleeting nature of lying compared to the permanence of truth. “The lamp of the wicked is snuffed out” (Proverbs 13:9), but it is the lie itself that burns out first.

Proverbs 12:19 contrasts the enduring strength of truth with the short shelf life of deceit. Speak honestly, and your words share in the permanence of God’s own truth; choose falsehood, and whatever gain you hoped for will vanish as quickly as the lie itself.

Ἀλλ οὐδὲν ἕρπει ψεῦδος εἰς γῆρας χρόνου

"Unto old age no lie doth ever live." A lie has no legs, is a maxim of wide nationality; and "Truth may be blamed, but shall ne'er be shamed."

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