Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 14:25, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
American Standard Version
A true witness delivereth souls; But he that uttereth lies [causeth] deceit.
World English Bible version
A truthful witness saves souls, but a false witness is deceitful.
Proverbs 14:25 Meaning & Commentary
A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful. – Proverbs 14:25 (ESV)
The world is full of corruption and ungodliness. To find someone who is truthful, faithful, honest, and walks is integrity is not easy: Proverbs 20:6 – Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find? As believers, we know that Jesus Christ is our great example: 1 Peter 2:21 – For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. Although this verse talks specifically about suffering, Jesus left us an example in all things – we are literary disciples (or followers) of Jesus Christ.
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. If we claim to be disciples of Jesus, we should also reflect faithfulness and truth. How can a truthful witness save lives, though? Well, it may not be a literal death that they are saved from. However, they could be delivered out of a bad predicament or circumstance.
If, for example – you are called to testify in a court, your testimony, or the truth you bring, could save that person from possibly being sentenced or facing trial. Or, perhaps there is a workplace situation where bringing truth to the forefront can reveal what is transpiring and cause someone to be spared from losing their job or being fired. Meanwhile, someone who breathes out lies cannot be trusted.
The Bible calls a liar “deceitful.” Lying is a form of deceit in itself – you are either covering up the truth or presenting facts and ideas which are not accurate. A liar is also a deceitful person, and a deceitful person will lie when needed. Although they may not lie about everything, when they need to protect themselves or their reputation, they will have no trouble doing it!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 14:25 to our lives?
The Bible challenges us to put away ALL lying and speak the truth at all times: 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.
Jesus is the truth, which means that all truth is locked up in Him: John 14:6 – Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Just as all truth is locked up in Jesus, The Bible tells us that the devil is the father of 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.
We are ambassadors of Christ, which means we are called to represent Him on this earth: 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.
Therefore, as Christ is – so are we 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. We, therefore, need to speak the truth, walk in love, stand for righteousness and justice, and represent Jesus Christ in this world.
We need to walk as truthful witnesses, doing everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus” – meaning that we represent and carry his name as believers in this world, and ought to walk in a way that represents Him well: Colossians 3:17 – And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the great example Jesus Christ laid out for me to follow. Help me walk in a way that pleases you and represents your name well to others in the world.
Help me to turn away from all forms of lying and be a truthful witness who stands up for what is right – not necessarily what is popular. I ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
