Proverbs 29:12

If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
– Proverbs 29:12

Verses 12-14 form a small group of sayings related to kingship and rule. This saying relies on the Deuteronomic kingship ideal, where the ideal king is exemplar in keeping God’s law and presiding over a nation of the faithful (Deuteronomy 17:14-20). The king’s character will shape the character of his kingdom, for good or bad. This saying warns against the bad. If the king will listen to lies, more lies will be told him. The last phrase presents a thorough corruption to all his servants.

Proverbs 19:5

A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
– Proverbs 19:5

The word for unpunished means to be clear, or innocent. It has a judicial gloss here, since false witness has legal connotations. False witness is one of the hated abominations in Proverbs 6:16-19. The law forbids false witness and prescribes strict punishment for it (Exodus 20:16; 23:1; Deuteronomy 19:16). A false witness may go unchecked in this life, but this proverb promises he shall not escape (Revelation 21:8, 27; 22:15).

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Proverbs 14:5

A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
– Proverbs 14:5

Truth telling is the character of a faithful witness, just as deceit is of a false witness (Proverbs 12:17; 13:5). The word for utter means to breathe out and the picture is one a habitual liar. A faithful witness will not lie and cannot be bribed to. The false witness needs no incentive, but lies readily. The lies of a false witness are an abomination to God (Proverbs 6:19).

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