Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 14:5, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
American Standard Version
A faithful witness will not lie; But a false witness uttereth lies.
World English Bible version
A truthful witness will not lie, but a false witness pours out lies.
Proverbs 14:5 Meaning & Commentary
A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies. – Proverbs 14:5 (ESV)
There is something about a faithful person which pleases God and represents his character. The Bible refers to Jesus Christ as “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.
Faithfulness is a good “measure” of a person’s character and is a clear roadmap that God gives to us to “test us” and see if we are ready for what He has in store for our lives: Luke 16:10 – One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. God will often also allow us to manage another person’s goods/promises before He gives us our own goods/promises: Luke 16:12 – And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?
A faithful person has built the character of Christ into their lives – this is why The Bible can say in Proverbs 14:5 that a faithful witness does not lie. The second portion of the scripture says that a false witness breathes out lies. A false witness does not carry the heart and character of God but the character or “nature” of satan, whom The Bible calls “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. The Bible also tells us that he is the accuser of the brethren – which in its essence, really speaks about bearing false witness more than anything else!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 14:5 to our lives?
The Bible is clear about truthfulness and lying – we are to 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.
If we look at the previous scriptures before this verse, we see why The Bible tells us to put away all lying and falsehood: Ephesians 4:20-24 – But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
We have been brought into the Kingdom of God and taught by God to walk according to our “new self,” which was created after “the likeness of God.” Furthermore, The Bible says that “the truth is in Jesus.” So, it is about living out our Christian walk and imitating Jesus Christ in thought, deed, and words as well – always speaking the truth. When we fail to walk with God, we are by nature “children of wrath” and, therefore, under the “sway” of the evil one – the father of lies:
Ephesians 2:1-2 – And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience.
As we actively pursue our relationship with God and are conscious about what we say and the witness we bear, we will walk as children of light and represent God The Father as a faithful witness in this world!
Prayer
Mighty God, I thank You for being the ultimate example of a faithful and true witness. Help me grow in faithfulness every day of my life.
Father, help me to put away all forms of lying and deceit so that I can be a godly representation of You to this world. Help me draw closer to You so I can grow in my walk with You and The Character of Christ. I ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
