17 He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit. 18 Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
Proverbs 12:17–19
Semantically similar passages
Proverbs 14:4–6
4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of the ox. 5 An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies. 6 A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the dis…
Proverbs 10:30–32
30 The righteous will never be shaken, but the wicked will not inhabit the land. 31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out. 32 The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.
Proverbs 14:24–26
24 The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the effort of fools is folly. 25 A truthful witness saves lives, but one who utters lies is deceitful. 26 He who fears the LORD is secure in confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge.
Proverbs 21:27–29
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable— how much more so when brought with ill intent! 28 A lying witness will perish, but the man who listens to truth will speak forever. 29 A wicked man hardens his face, but the upright man makes his way sure.
Proverbs 10:10–12
10 He who winks the eye causes grief, and foolish lips will come to ruin. 11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. 12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.
Psalms 37:29–31
29 The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever. 30 The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. 31 The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not falter.
Proverbs 15:3–5
3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good. 4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. 5 A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent.
Proverbs 10:19–21
19 When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. 20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth. 21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment.
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