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Proverbs 12:19

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 12:19 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “The lip of truth shall be established for ever; But a lying tongue is but for a moment.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

The lip of truth shall be established for ever; But a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Proverbs 12:19 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
16A fool`s vexation is presently known; But a prudent man concealeth shame.
17He that uttereth truth showeth forth righteousness; But a false witness, deceit.
18There is that speaketh rashly like the piercings of a sword; But the tongue of the wise is health.
19The lip of truth shall be established for ever; But a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil; But to the counsellors of peace is joy.
21There shall no mischief happen to the righteous; But the wicked shall be filled with evil.
22Lying lips are an abomination to Jehovah; But they that deal truly are his delight.
← Proverbs 12:18Proverbs 12:20 →
← Full Chapter 12 Proverbs Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Words of truth are consistent, and stand all tests, while lies are soon discovered and exposed.”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“A moment - Liars, though they may make a fair shew for a season, yet are quickly convicted. Proverbs 12:20”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“lip: Zac 1:4-6; Mat 24:35 but: Pro 19:9; Job 20:5; Psa 52:5; Act 5:3-10 Proverbs 12:20”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“19 The lip of truth endures for ever, But the lying tongue only while I wink with the eye. None of the old translators understood the phrase ועד־ארגּיעה; the Venet. also, which follows Kimchi's first explanation, is incorrect: ἕως ῥήξεως, till I split (shatter) it (the tongue). Abulwald is nearer the correct rendering when he takes ארגיעה as a noun = רגע with He parag. Ahron b. Joseph is better in rendering the phrase by: until I make a רגע, and quite correct if רגע (from רגע = Arab. raj', which is used of the swinging of the balance) is taken in the sense of a twinkling of the eye (Schultens: vibramen); cf. Orelli's Die hebr. Synonyme der Zeit und Ewigkeit, p. 27f., where the synonyms…”
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Related study paths

Read Proverbs 12 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification