Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
Summary: There is a time reference in this passage that forces us to ask the question, “Who is speaking?” When we look at this passage through the lens of scripture, we realize that these words reflect God’s point of view. Considering that the Bible is “God’s Word,” this shouldn’t surprise us.
Do “truthful lips” actually last forever? When you hear a lie, does the tongue of the one speaking dissolve in a moment? I’ve never seen either of these things happen? Does that mean they are not true?
No. It doesn’t.
This is one of those passages that reminds us who is speaking. Solomon did not come by his knowledge on his own. It came from God (1 Kings 3:12). Would God give Solomon a “wise and discerning heart” and then let him spout proverbs that weren’t true? Of course not!
The book of Psalms records this truth about God:
A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. (Psalm 90:4)
From God’s perspective, those who respect the truth “endure forever.”* The “lying tongue” might be around a long time from a human perspective, but from God’s point of view, it lasts “only a moment.”
God is God, and we are not. It is good to remember that. It is also good to remember that God’s Word is called that because God has spoken his Word into existence, just like he spoke all of creation into existence. If we don’t understand something, that doesn’t mean what we are reading is not true. It means we don’t understand. Being humble enough to admit that we don’t understand is the key to opening the door to understanding (Proverbs 1: 7).
Application: Practice looking at Scripture through God’s eyes.
Food for Thought: What does a “lying tongue” represent in this passage?
* For those of you concerned about Old Testament people being able to “endure forever,” this writer is of the opinion that Jesus’ saving grace extends through all time, both future and past.
What does a “lying tongue” represent in this passage?
I get the sense that the lying tongue lies first to themselves in their heart and then those lies come out of their mouth.
Matthew 12:34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
It also makes the think about how the lies have to constantly be updated and molded to fit, they keep changing and growing, whereas God’s Truth stays constant. It never changes, we only understand it more deeply and how it applies to our life.
I think the lying tongue represents the denial of God’s truth and God Himself. That lie will vanishes either here on Earth (for some), or the second you step before God’s Throne.
Thanks, Chris!
You are absolutely right about lies having to be constantly adjusted to fit reality. I think that is why there is so much Peace in knowing God. There is no more shifting and uncertainty, just the assurance of our Father’s love.
07-18-2022, Proverbs 12:19, What does a “lying tongue” represent in this passage?
I like what Chris writes.
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:32
“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies”.
John 8:44
A life seeking truth brings freedom and life through Christ, while choosing to live in lies will bring separated from God with Satan.
Ron,
The “father of lies” passage is a very powerful truth. It points us to the connection between Satan’s will and the reasons for lying.
Thank you!
😳
Could be the lying tongue of politicians all over vs the truthful word of the bible. Or the laws from the pips of the God fearing forefathers of this country. How the bible has last so long and the declaration of independence has lasted only because it was written trying to glorify God, His love, His grace, His laws, His values, and His guidance through prayer.
Thank you, Tim.
Our founding fathers did indeed seek to honor God. We as a nation have allowed ourselves to drift a long way from the vision they originally had for this country.