Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 12:19, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
American Standard Version
The lip of truth shall be established for ever; But a lying tongue is but for a moment.
World English Bible version
Truth's lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only momentary.
Proverbs 12:19 Meaning & Commentary
Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Proverbs 12:19 (ESV)
The problem with telling lies is that it always needs to be covered up. You see, if you tell a story to someone and scatter lies in the story, you need to always remember what you lied about. If you don’t, you will be found out the next time you tell the story. Lying adds stress to our lives because we always have to work to cover our tracks. Telling the truth is so much easier and less stressful! There is no need to remember what lies were told – just the truth, and only the truth.
This is why truthful lips (or the truth) ensure forever – because lying is like building a house of cards, which can come crashing down at any minute. The lies can be found out, and the entire house of cards comes crashing down. The problem with this is that not only are the lies found out – but the person is found out. The person who lied will have a reputation for being a liar. The problem is that this reputation is nearly impossible to change. Although the person may put away lying and start telling the truth – what they say may always be questioned (if they are speaking to someone they previously lied to).
Lying appears to be rooted in some sort of insecurity. People are either worried that they will face some sort of punishment for telling the truth, or they lie and exaggerate so that others will take them more seriously. However, when we are fully rooted and grounded in Christ and secure in our relationship with Him, we will not need to lie. Our relationship with God will keep us and protect us, and we will be established in Him: Psalm 1:3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 12:19 to our lives?
The Bible teaches us to put away all forms of lying and speak the truth: 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. Lying may bring temporary “joy” or “happiness”, which sounds strange, but it can feel good to lie or exaggerate for a moment – it can make us feel important or safe. However, all of these are fleeting feelings. What really matters is doing the will of God: 1 John 2:17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
All that is temporary, including lying, and whatever “payoff” we get from doing it will eventually fade away! Walking with God and doing His will should be our focus in life. Let us set our hearts and minds to do God’s will – just as Jesus did: John 4:34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. The Bible teaches us that satan is the father of all lies: 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.
How can we continue to lie when we are children of God? We need to know that God has given us the power and the ability to speak truthfully in everything – and we should do just that as representatives of Jesus Christ. Just as the devil is the father of lies, Jesus Christ is the epitome of Truth: John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. As disciples of Jesus, let’s stand for the truth!
Prayer
Mighty God, I thank you for the example of Jesus, who was full of grace and truth. Lord, help me to speak the truth in everything that I say. Let all forms of deceit and falsehood not be anywhere near my life.
Father, I pray right now that I will represent you well as an ambassador of Jesus Christ. I pray right now and ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
