New King James Version
Proverbs 12:17
17He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit.
Proverbs 12:17 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
- New International Version (NIV)An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies.
- English Standard Version (ESV)Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.
- New Living Translation (NLT)An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies.
Context of Proverbs 12:17
15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise. 16A fool’s wrath is known at once, But a prudent man covers shame. He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit. 18There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health. 19The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Read all of Proverbs 12Proverbs 12:17 word by word
יָפִ֣יחַ אֱ֭מוּנָה יַגִּ֣יד צֶ֑דֶק וְעֵ֖ד שְׁקָרִ֣ים מִרְמָֽה׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 12:17
- Proverbs 14:5A faithful witness does not lie, But a false witness will utter lies.
- 1 Samuel 22:14So Ahimelech answered the king and said, “And who among all your servants is as faithful as David, who is the king’s son-in-law, who goes at your bidding, and is honorable in your house?
- Proverbs 6:19A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.
- Proverbs 19:5A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies will not escape.
- Proverbs 21:28A false witness shall perish, But the man who hears him will speak endlessly.
- Proverbs 24:28Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, For would you deceive with your lips?
- Matthew 15:19For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.
- Matthew 26:59Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death,
- Acts 6:13They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law;
- 1 Peter 3:16having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
Commentaries on Proverbs 12:17
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 17Verse 17 It is good for all to dread and detest the sin of lying, and to be governed by honesty.Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 17This proverb's message is also in Proverbs 14:5.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1-28Pr 12:1-28. 1. loveth knowledge--as the fruit of instruction or training (Pr 1:2). hateth reproof--(Pr 10:17). brutish--stupid, regardless of his own welfare (Psa 49:10; 73:22).Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 12:17
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Proverbs 12
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
New King James Version — © 1982 Thomas Nelson, Inc
Commentaries