Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 12:17, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
American Standard Version
He that uttereth truth showeth forth righteousness; But a false witness, deceit.
World English Bible version
He who is truthful testifies honestly, but a false witness lies.
Proverbs 12:17 Meaning & Commentary
Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. Proverbs 12:17 (ESV)
Truthfulness and honesty should be the norm, but unfortunately – they are not as common as they should be. When people are consumed by selfishness and the love of money, there is sometimes no limit to what they may do: James 3:16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
We are commanded as believers and children of God to speak the truth in all things: Ephesians 4:25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. When we lie and speak falsely in any way, we are acting in the exact opposite nature of God.
In the book of Revelation, we see that Jesus is called Faithful and True: Revelation 19:11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. Someone who speaks the truth gives honest evidence because all they know how to do is tell the truth. Someone who is truthful does not need to decide every time they speak to tell the truth. Telling the truth comes naturally to them.
The Bible calls the devil the father of lies – this means that lies come naturally to him: John 8:44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. The devil cannot tell the truth, as he is the father (or creator) of lies. Deceit is the opposite of the truth – even if it is a partial truth, it is not the complete, total, and whole truth!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 12:17 to our lives?
We are representatives of Jesus Christ in this world: 1 John 4:17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. Also, when Paul the Apostle wrote to the Church at Corinth, he described himself as an ambassador of Christ: 2 Corinthians 5:20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. An ambassador is a representative of someone else.
So, we must do all we can to represent Jesus Christ in this world. What kind of representatives would we be if we cannot even tell the truth and give honest evidence? We would not expect a believer to be a false witness who utters deceit, lies, or half-truths, but it happens! If we look around us, one of the common reasons for lies and false witnesses is the love of money. We can only either serve God or money, but not both: Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money”.
As with all fruit of The Spirit and Christlike character, it does not come by us trying hard – it is a by-product of our relationship with God! If we struggle to speak the truth, we must repent, ask for God’s forgiveness, and stop lying or speaking deceitfully. God has given us a new nature, and we are no longer obliged to follow the ways of the flesh, which do not please God: Romans 8:12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. Whether it is lying or any other act of the flesh, we no longer have to tolerate it. We are free to live for Christ!
Prayer
Mighty God, thank You that I am a representative of Jesus Christ in this world. I chose today to put all forms of lying and deceitful speech aside. Thank you that because I have the nature of Christ, the truth comes naturally to me.
Help me not to represent the father of lies, who is the devil, but only to represent Jesus Christ, who is full of Grace and Truth. I pray and ask this now in Jesus’ name. Amen!
