Proverbs 14:25 Commentary and Bible Study

How much truth achieves! There is nothing else but truth that is of any use in delivering souls. Even when it comes to human justice, the truth is everything and a court of law that is established on the truth will want to uncover the facts and will welcome any witness that is willing and able to testify concerning the facts of the case. His witness brings to light what would otherwise remain hidden for he is required to be a witness just because there is no other source of information about these matters. But does a true witness always save lives? Doesn’t his witness sometimes condemn as well as justify depending on the nature of the case? Yes, but Solomon has in mind the innocent and the effect of a true witness in vindicating them, and he expects his readers to apply the same limitation for the sake of the lesson embedded in the proverb. To insist on the proverb containing a general truth which is applicable to every situation will often lead to a false interpretation.The gospel also requires true witnesses who must assert their testimony in the face of many false witnesses who oppose them. They must hold on to what they know and not be moved away from it; they must have the courage to speak even though they are in a minority, and even if they must suffer for doing so. A true witness bears a true message – the truth of God, salvation in Jesus Christ – and he delivers it in a true way – in honesty and straightforwardness, not with enticing words of man’s wisdom. But what does a false witness achieve? Solomon does not even bother to tell us. He simply points out the self-evident fact that this witness speaks lies, because there is nothing else worth saying about him. His lies will not get him anywhere; they will not help anyone; they cannot achieve any good. They are lies, and that is that. Lies are bound to be destructive, and bound to lead to the condemning of the innocent unless they are exposed. Thanks be to God that every destructive lie ever uttered against a child of God will be nullified, and in the purposes of God will do no permanent harm to the elect. Indeed, all things work together for good to those who are called by God. What seemed to damage them for a time will turn out for their good, and their patience under injustice for the Lord’s sake will be rewarded.