King James Version

What Does Proverbs 14:25 Mean?

Proverbs 14:25 in the King James Version says “A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.”

Proverbs 14:25 · KJV

Context

23

In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.

24

The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.

25

A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.

26

In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

27

The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

Read Proverbs 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies. Ed emet matsil nefashot (עֵד אֱמֶת מַצִּיל נְפָשׁוֹת, a witness of truth delivers souls). Natsal (נָצַל, deliver, rescue, save) shows truthful testimony can save lives—preventing wrongful execution, protecting the innocent. Veyafiyach kezavim mirmah (וְיָפִיחַ כְּזָבִים מִרְמָה, but one who breathes lies—deceit). False witnesses literally breathe out lies, destroying lives through deception. In legal systems depending on oral testimony, truthfulness meant life or death. Christ is the faithful and true witness (Revelation 3:14), whose testimony delivers souls eternally.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Mosaic Law required multiple witnesses for capital cases (Deuteronomy 17:6) and prescribed death for perjurers in capital cases (Deuteronomy 19:16-21). Naboth died through false witnesses (1 Kings 21:10-13). Jesus faced false testimony at His trial (Matthew 26:59-61). Stephen was martyred through false witnesses (Acts 6:13). The ninth commandment prohibits false witness (Exodus 20:16), recognizing its power to destroy lives.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what contexts might your testimony (words, reputation, witness) either deliver or harm others?
  2. How does Christ as the true witness (Revelation 3:14) provide the ultimate model for truthful living?
  3. What does it mean to be a faithful witness for Christ, delivering souls through gospel truth?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
מַצִּ֣יל1 of 7

“delivereth”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

נְ֭פָשׁוֹת2 of 7

“souls”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

עֵ֣ד3 of 7

“witness”

H5707

concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince

אֱמֶ֑ת4 of 7

“A true”

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

וְיָפִ֖חַ5 of 7

“witness speaketh”

H6315

to puff, i.e., blow with the breath or air; hence, to fan (as a breeze), to utter, to kindle (a fire), to scoff

כְּזָבִ֣ים6 of 7

“lies”

H3577

falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol)

מִרְמָֽה׃7 of 7

“but a deceitful”

H4820

fraud

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 14:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 14:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 14:5Acts 26:16-201 Timothy 4:1-3Acts 20:26-272 Peter 3:3Acts 20:21

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