The righteous hate falsehoodThe concept of righteousness in the Bible often refers to living in accordance with God's laws and commands. In the Old Testament, righteousness is closely tied to justice and truth. The righteous, therefore, are those who align themselves with God's truth and reject deceit. This aligns with
Psalm 119:163, where the psalmist declares, "I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love Your law." The hatred of falsehood is a reflection of God's own nature, as He is described as a God of truth (
Deuteronomy 32:4). In the cultural context of ancient Israel, truthfulness was essential for maintaining community trust and justice, which were foundational for societal stability.
but the wicked bring shame and disgrace
The wicked, in contrast to the righteous, are those who live in opposition to God's commands. Their actions often lead to shame and disgrace, both for themselves and for those associated with them. This is a recurring theme in Proverbs, where the consequences of wickedness are frequently highlighted. The shame and disgrace brought by the wicked can be understood in both a personal and communal sense. Historically, in the ancient Near Eastern culture, honor and shame were significant social constructs. Bringing shame upon oneself or one's family could have severe social repercussions. This phrase also connects with the broader biblical narrative, where sin leads to separation from God and results in disgrace, as seen in the fall of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3). The ultimate resolution to this disgrace is found in Jesus Christ, who bore our shame on the cross, offering redemption and restoration to those who believe (Hebrews 12:2).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The RighteousIn the context of Proverbs, the righteous are those who live in accordance with God's laws and principles. They are characterized by integrity, honesty, and a love for truth.
2.
The WickedThis term refers to individuals who live contrary to God's ways, often engaging in deceit, dishonesty, and immoral behavior. They are depicted as bringing shame and disgrace upon themselves and others.
3.
SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. His proverbs often contrast the behaviors and outcomes of the righteous and the wicked.
Teaching Points
The Nature of RighteousnessRighteousness is inherently linked to truth. A righteous person naturally detests falsehood because it is contrary to God's character.
The Consequences of WickednessEngaging in deceit leads to shame and disgrace. The wicked may temporarily succeed through lies, but ultimately, their actions result in dishonor.
The Call to IntegrityChristians are called to live with integrity, reflecting God's truth in their words and actions. This involves a conscious rejection of deceit in all its forms.
The Impact of TruthfulnessTruthfulness builds trust and strengthens relationships. It is foundational to a healthy community and witness to the world.
The Spiritual Battle Against DeceitBelievers must be vigilant against the deceit of the enemy, recognizing that falsehood is a tool used to undermine faith and community.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 13:5?
2.How can we apply "hate what is false" in our daily lives?
3.What does Proverbs 13:5 reveal about the character of the righteous?
4.How does Proverbs 13:5 connect with Ephesians 4:25 on truthfulness?
5.Why is it important for Christians to reject falsehood according to Proverbs 13:5?
6.How can we discern falsehood in our interactions with others?
7.How does Proverbs 13:5 define the relationship between righteousness and truthfulness?
8.Why does Proverbs 13:5 emphasize the hatred of falsehood by the righteous?
9.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 13:5?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 13?
11.What does 'No Peace for the Wicked' mean?
12.Is God capable of hatred?
13.Proverbs 16:4 states God made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for a day of disaster--doesn't this suggest a divine origin for evil, conflicting with the idea of a just and loving God?
14.Psalm 139:19-22: How do these verses endorsing hatred for the wicked align with other passages in the Bible that command love for one's enemies?What Does Proverbs 13:5 Mean
The righteous hate falsehood“The righteous hate falsehood” (Proverbs 13:5a)
• When God makes a person righteous, truth becomes precious and lies become repulsive.Psalm 119:163 echoes, “I hate and abhor falsehood; but Your law I love.”
• Hating falsehood means rejecting every shade of deception—white lies, half-truths, flattery, exaggeration (Proverbs 6:16-19 lists “a lying tongue” among the seven things the Lord hates).
• The New Testament agrees: “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25).
• By loving truth and despising lies, the righteous mirror God’s own character: “God is not a man, that He should lie” (Numbers 23:19).
The wicked bring shame and disgrace“but the wicked bring shame and disgrace” (Proverbs 13:5b)
• Wicked people may profit from deceit for a season, yet their lying ways eventually expose them, dragging public dishonor behind (Proverbs 26:24-26).
•Proverbs 14:34 reminds us, “Sin is a disgrace to any people,” andIsaiah 3:9 notes that bold sin “parades their sin like Sodom; they do not conceal it,” leading to ruin.
• Disgrace can be relational—loss of trust; societal—broken reputation; and eternal—standing condemned before a holy God (John 3:19-20).
•Galatians 6:7 confirms the principle: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap.” Deceit sown, shame reaped.
Living the contrast today• Choose proactive truth-telling. Before speaking, ask, “Is this accurate, necessary, and loving?” (Colossians 3:9-10).
• Confess and forsake any known deception (Proverbs 28:13). Restoration of integrity begins with honest repentance.
• Surround yourself with people who value truth; “Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
• Let Scripture shape your conscience; regular exposure to God’s Word sharpens hatred for lies and deepens love for truth (John 17:17).
summaryProverbs 13:5 draws a sharp line: righteous people, reshaped by God’s truth, actively detest every form of falsehood, while the wicked—committed to deceit—can only harvest shame and disgrace. Loving what God loves and hating what He hates secures honor; choosing deception invites eventual humiliation. Truth leads to life and lasting dignity, because it aligns us with the very nature of our faithful, unchanging God.
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A wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.--Or it may signify, "disgraceth and putteth to shame" (by his calumnies), or "acts basely and shamefully."
Verse 5. -
Lying; Vulgate,
verbum mendax; Septuagint,
λόγον ἄδικον; literally,
a word of falsehood. But
debar, "word," is used, like
ῤῆμα in Hellenistic Greek, in a general sense for "thing,"
i.e. the subject of speech. So here it is not only verbal lying that is meant, but every kind of deceit and guile. This naturally betrays itself by the speech, according to the proverb, "Show me a liar, and I will show you a thief."
A wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame. The clause is variously translated. Vulgate,
confundit et confundetur, "causes shame to others and to himself." Septuagint, "is put to shame, and shall not have licence of tongue (
παῥῤησίαν)." The Revised Version margin, "causeth shame and bringeth reproach." Delitzsch, "brings into bad odour (
Genesis 34:30) and causes shame." Hitzig, "behaveth injuriously and shamefully." The antithesis is best brought out by the rendering that marks the effect of the wicked man's "lying;" "He brings disgrace upon others (who have trusted him or have been associated with him) and causes shame."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The righteousצַדִּ֑יק(ṣad·dîq)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6662:Just, righteoushateיִשְׂנָ֣א(yiś·nā)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8130:To hatefalsehood,דְּבַר־(də·ḇa·rō·še-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causebut the wickedוְ֝רָשָׁ֗ע(wə·rā·šā‘)Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7563:Wrong, an, bad personbring shameיַבְאִ֥ישׁ(yaḇ·’îš)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 887:To smell bad, to be offensiveand disgrace.וְיַחְפִּֽיר׃(wə·yaḥ·pîr)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2659:To blush, to be ashamed, disappointed, to shame, reproach
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 13:5 A righteous man hates lies (Prov. Pro Pr) 
