A lying witness will perishThis phrase highlights the biblical principle that falsehood and deceit ultimately lead to destruction. In the context of ancient Israel, bearing false witness was a serious offense, as it could lead to unjust outcomes in legal matters (
Exodus 20:16). The law given to Moses emphasized the importance of truthful testimony (
Deuteronomy 19:16-21), and false witnesses were subject to the same punishment they intended for the accused. This reflects God's nature as a God of truth (
Numbers 23:19) and His desire for justice. The fate of a lying witness is contrasted with the eternal nature of truth, underscoring the temporary success of deceit. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where liars are warned of their fate (
Revelation 21:8).
but the man who listens to truth will speak forever
This part of the verse emphasizes the enduring nature of truth and the wisdom of those who adhere to it. Listening to truth implies a willingness to be guided by God's word, which is described as truth (John 17:17). The phrase suggests that those who align themselves with truth will have a lasting impact, as their words are grounded in eternal principles. This can be seen in the teachings of Jesus, who is the embodiment of truth (John 14:6) and whose words have endured through the ages. The idea of speaking forever can also be understood as having a legacy that continues beyond one's lifetime, much like the prophets and apostles whose truthful messages have been preserved in Scripture. This aligns with the biblical theme that wisdom and truth lead to life and honor (Proverbs 3:13-18).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Lying WitnessThis refers to an individual who bears false testimony or spreads deceit. In biblical times, a witness held significant responsibility in legal and communal matters.
2.
Man Who Listens to TruthThis person represents those who seek, hear, and adhere to truth, embodying wisdom and integrity.
3.
PerishThis term indicates the ultimate downfall or destruction of the lying witness, both in a temporal and eternal sense.
4.
Speak ForeverThis phrase suggests the enduring legacy and influence of those who uphold and speak the truth.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of DeceitLying leads to destruction. The Bible consistently warns that deceitful practices result in both temporal and eternal consequences.
The Enduring Power of TruthTruth has a lasting impact. Those who speak truth align themselves with God's eternal nature and leave a legacy that endures.
The Importance of ListeningListening to truth is foundational. Before one can speak truth, they must first be willing to hear and accept it.
Integrity in WitnessUpholding truth in testimony is crucial. Whether in legal matters or daily interactions, integrity in our words reflects our faith.
Spiritual DiscernmentDiscernment is necessary to distinguish truth from lies. Christians are called to develop spiritual discernment through prayer and study of the Word.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 21:28?
2.How can we avoid being "a false witness" in our daily lives?
3.What does Proverbs 21:28 teach about the consequences of dishonesty?
4.How does Proverbs 21:28 connect with the Ninth Commandment in Exodus 20:16?
5.In what ways can we "speak accurately" to reflect Christ's truth?
6.How can Proverbs 21:28 guide our interactions in the workplace?
7.What does Proverbs 21:28 reveal about the consequences of dishonesty?
8.How does Proverbs 21:28 align with the broader theme of truth in the Bible?
9.What historical context influences the message of Proverbs 21:28?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 21?
11.What is Dogmatic Theology?
12.What does the Bible say about Christian work ethic?
13.Proverbs 24:16: How can the wicked be said to 'fall' when many evil rulers throughout history prospered without clear downfall?
14.What does the Bible teach about self-control?What Does Proverbs 21:28 Mean
The danger of “a lying witness”• “A lying witness” is someone who knowingly twists facts, whether in court, conversation, or daily dealings.
• Scripture treats false testimony as a direct assault on God’s character of truth (Exodus 20:16;John 8:44).
• Proverbs repeatedly warns that lying corrodes relationships and society (Proverbs 6:16-19; 19:5).
• When we’re tempted to shade the truth, the verse calls us to examine our hearts: Are we reflecting the God of truth or the father of lies?
Crumbling consequences: “will perish”• The word picture is stark—falsehood has an expiration date.
–Proverbs 19:9 underscores the same end: “A false witness will not go unpunished.”
–Psalm 52:5 shows God personally acting against deceit.
• Perishing can unfold in several arenas:
– Reputation: once trust is lost, opportunities dry up.
– Legal or social fallout: lies unravel and bring judgment (Deuteronomy 19:18-19).
– Eternal destiny:Revelation 21:8 places all liars outside the New Jerusalem.
• God’s justice may seem delayed, but it is never denied; the lie-propped life collapses.
The man who “listens to truth”• “Listens” suggests humble receptivity, not mere auditory hearing (James 1:19-21).
• Truth, in biblical terms, is both God’s Word and the reality it unveils (John 17:17).
• Hallmarks of a truth-listener:
– Teachable spirit (Proverbs 15:31-32).
– Willingness to be corrected (Proverbs 12:1).
– Desire to align words and actions with Scripture (Psalm 119:11).
• Such a person builds on rock, not sand (Matthew 7:24-25).
“Will speak forever” — an enduring voice• Truth gives words staying power.Proverbs 12:19 echoes, “Truthful lips endure forever.”
• Practical outflow:
– Influence: honest counsel is sought long after rumors fade (Proverbs 25:11-12).
– Legacy: children, churches, and communities remember the steady voice of integrity (Psalm 145:4).
• Ultimately, God’s people will declare His praise for eternity (Revelation 19:1-3), proving that those anchored in truth really do “speak forever.”
summaryProverbs 21:28 draws a sharp line: deceit ends in ruin, while truth-embracing believers gain an everlasting platform. God vindicates honesty, both now and in eternity, urging us to forsake every lie and let our words mirror His unchanging truth.
(28)
But the man that heareth(carefully, and repeats accurately)
speaketh constantly(his testimony will live).--Comp., "he being dead yet speaketh,"
Hebrews 11:4.
Verse 28. - (For the first hemistich, see
Proverbs 6:19;
Proverbs 19:5, 9.)
Shall perish. His testimony is worthless, and both he and it come to nothing.
The man that heareth speaketh constantly; Vulgate,
vir obediens; Septuagint,
Ἀνὴρ ὑπήκοος φυλασσόμενος λαλήσει, "An obedient man will speak guardedly." "The man that heareth" is one who is attentive, who listens before he speaks, and reports only what he has heard. Such a one will speak "for continuance," so that what he says is never falsified, or silenced, or refuted. Vulgate,
loquetur victoriam. And so Aquila, Theodotion, and Symmachus,
εἰς νίκος. Revised Version,
unchallenged. The expression thus rendered is
lanetsach, which means, in Hebrew at any rate, in
perpetuum, "for continuance." But St. Jerome's rendering has been much used by the Fathers, who have drawn therefrom lessons of obedience. Thus St. Augustine, 'In Psalm.,' 70, "Sola obedientia tenet palmam, sola inobedientia invenit poenam.' St. Gregory, ' Moral,' 35:28, "An obedient man in truth speaketh of victories, because, when we humbly submit ourselves to the voice of another, we overcome ourselves in our heart" (Oxford transl.). See a long dissertation on obedience in the note of Corn. a Lapide on this passage of Proverbs.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
A lyingכְּזָבִ֥ים(kə·zā·ḇîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3577:A lie, falsehood, deceptive thingwitnessעֵד־(‘êḏ-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5707:A witness, testimony, a recorder, princewill perish,יֹאבֵ֑ד(yō·ḇêḏ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6:To wander away, lose oneself, to perishbut the manוְאִ֥ישׁ(wə·’îš)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personwho listens [to truth]שׁ֝וֹמֵ֗עַ(w·mê·a‘)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlywill speakיְדַבֵּֽר׃(yə·ḏab·bêr)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subdueforever.לָנֶ֥צַח(lā·ne·ṣaḥ)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5331:Eminence, enduring, everlastingness, perpetuity
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 21:28 A false witness will perish (Prov. Pro Pr) 
