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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A false witness will be cut off, but a credible witness will be allowed to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A lying witness will perish, but the man who listens to truth will speak forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A false witness shall perish, But the man who hears <i>him</i> will speak endlessly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A false witness will perish, But a person who listens will speak forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A false witness will perish, But the man who listens to the truth will speak forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A false witness will perish, But the man who listens <i>to the truth</i> will speak forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A false witness will perish, But the man who listens will speak forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A false witness will perish, But a man who listens <i>to the truth</i> will speak forever <i>and</i> go unchallenged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A lying witness will perish, but the one who listens will speak successfully.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A lying witness will perish, but the one who listens will speak successfully. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A false witness shall perish; But the man that heareth shall speak so as to endure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If you tell lies in court, you are done for; only a reliable witness can do the job. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth shall speak unchallenged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A lying witness will die, but a person who listens to advice will continue to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The testimony of a liar is not believed, but the word of someone who thinks matters through is accepted. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A false witness will perish, but whoever listens will testify successfully. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A lying witness will perish, but the man who listens to truth will speak forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A lying witness will perish, but the one who reports accurately speaks forever. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A false witness will perish, and a man who listens speaks to eternity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A false witness will perish. A man who listens speaks to eternity. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A false witness perishes, "" And an attentive man speaks forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A false witness doth perish, And an attentive man for ever speaketh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A witness of lies shall perish: and a man hearing, shall speak clearly.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A lying witness shall perish: an obedient man shall speak of victory. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />A lying witness will perish. An obedient man shall speak of victory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The false witness will perish, but one who listens will give lasting testimony. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />A false witness will perish, but a good listener will testify successfully.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A false witness shall perish; but an obedient man speaks truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A false witness will be destroyed and an attentive man speaks justly.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A false witness shall perish; But the man that obeyeth shall speak unchallenged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A false witness shall perish; but an obedient man will speak cautiously.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/21-28.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4348" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.htm">The King's Heart</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">27</span>The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—how much more so when brought with ill intent! <span class="reftext">28</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3577.htm" title="3577: kə·zā·ḇîm (N-mp) -- A lie, falsehood, deceptive thing. From kazab; falsehood; literally or figuratively.">A lying</a> <a href="/hebrew/5707.htm" title="5707: ‘êḏ- (N-msc) -- A witness. Contracted from uwd; concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e. Prince.">witness</a> <a href="/hebrew/6.htm" title="6: yō·ḇêḏ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To perish. A primitive root; properly, to wander away, i.e. Lose oneself; by implication to perish.">will perish,</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: wə·’îš (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">but the man</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šômēaʿ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">who listens to truth</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: yə·ḏab·bêr (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">will speak</a> <a href="/hebrew/5331.htm" title="5331: lā·ne·ṣaḥ (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Eminence, enduring, everlastingness, perpetuity. ">forever.</a> </span><span class="reftext">29</span>A wicked man hardens his face, but the upright man makes his way sure.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-1.htm">Exodus 23:1</a></span><br />“You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-16.htm">Deuteronomy 19:16-19</a></span><br />If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime, / both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time. / The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is proven to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/27-12.htm">Psalm 27:12</a></span><br />Do not hand me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/35-11.htm">Psalm 35:11</a></span><br />Hostile witnesses come forward; they make charges I know nothing about.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/101-7.htm">Psalm 101:7</a></span><br />No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who tells lies shall stand in my presence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-19.htm">Proverbs 6:19</a></span><br />a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-17.htm">Proverbs 12:17</a></span><br />He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-5.htm">Proverbs 14:5</a></span><br />An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-5.htm">Proverbs 19:5</a></span><br />A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-9.htm">Proverbs 19:9</a></span><br />A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/59-13.htm">Isaiah 59:13-14</a></span><br />rebelling and denying the LORD, turning away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering lies from the heart. / So justice is turned away, and righteousness stands at a distance. For truth has stumbled in the public square, and honesty cannot enter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-3.htm">Jeremiah 9:3-5</a></span><br />“They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD. / “Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. / Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59-60</a></span><br />Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. / But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-56.htm">Mark 14:56-59</a></span><br />For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent. / Then some men stood up and testified falsely against Him: / “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this man-made temple, and in three days I will build another that is made without hands.’” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/3-14.htm">Luke 3:14</a></span><br />Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” “Do not take money by force or false accusation,” he said. “Be content with your wages.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A false witness shall perish: but the man that hears speaks constantly.</p><p class="hdg">false witness</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/6-19.htm">Proverbs 6:19</a></b></br> A false witness <i>that</i> speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/19-5.htm">Proverbs 19:5,9</a></b></br> A false witness shall not be unpunished, and <i>he that</i> speaketh lies shall not escape… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/25-18.htm">Proverbs 25:18</a></b></br> A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour <i>is</i> a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.</p><p class="hdg">the man</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/12-19.htm">Proverbs 12:19</a></b></br> The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue <i>is</i> but for a moment.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/12-15.htm">Acts 12:15</a></b></br> And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/1-17.htm">2 Corinthians 1:17-20</a></b></br> When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/17-4.htm">Attentive</a> <a href="/psalms/119-109.htm">Constantly</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-9.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-11.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-14.htm">Endure</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-23.htm">Eternity</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-19.htm">Forever</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-13.htm">Heareth</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-13.htm">Hears</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-32.htm">Listens</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-14.htm">Obeyeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-9.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-15.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-9.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Speaks</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-28.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-28.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-16.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/25-12.htm">Attentive</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-1.htm">Constantly</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-18.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-8.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-24.htm">Endure</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-11.htm">Eternity</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-24.htm">Forever</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-10.htm">Heareth</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-10.htm">Hears</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-12.htm">Listens</a> <a href="/isaiah/50-10.htm">Obeyeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-8.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-9.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-33.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-11.htm">Speaks</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-21.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-28.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-11.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">The king's heart in the hand of the Lord</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A lying witness will perish</b><br>This phrase highlights the biblical principle that falsehood and deceit ultimately lead to destruction. In the context of ancient Israel, bearing false witness was a serious offense, as it could lead to unjust outcomes in legal matters (<a href="/exodus/20-16.htm">Exodus 20:16</a>). The law given to Moses emphasized the importance of truthful testimony (<a href="/deuteronomy/19-16.htm">Deuteronomy 19:16-21</a>), and false witnesses were subject to the same punishment they intended for the accused. This reflects God's nature as a God of truth (<a href="/numbers/23-19.htm">Numbers 23:19</a>) and His desire for justice. The fate of a lying witness is contrasted with the eternal nature of truth, underscoring the temporary success of deceit. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where liars are warned of their fate (<a href="/revelation/21-8.htm">Revelation 21:8</a>).<p><b>but the man who listens to truth will speak forever</b><br>This part of the verse emphasizes the enduring nature of truth and the wisdom of those who adhere to it. Listening to truth implies a willingness to be guided by God's word, which is described as truth (<a href="/john/17-17.htm">John 17:17</a>). The phrase suggests that those who align themselves with truth will have a lasting impact, as their words are grounded in eternal principles. This can be seen in the teachings of Jesus, who is the embodiment of truth (<a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>) and whose words have endured through the ages. The idea of speaking forever can also be understood as having a legacy that continues beyond one's lifetime, much like the prophets and apostles whose truthful messages have been preserved in Scripture. This aligns with the biblical theme that wisdom and truth lead to life and honor (<a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">Proverbs 3:13-18</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/l/lying_witness.htm">Lying Witness</a></b><br>This refers to an individual who bears false testimony or spreads deceit. In biblical times, a witness held significant responsibility in legal and communal matters.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/man_who_listens_to_truth.htm">Man Who Listens to Truth</a></b><br>This person represents those who seek, hear, and adhere to truth, embodying wisdom and integrity.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/perish.htm">Perish</a></b><br>This term indicates the ultimate downfall or destruction of the lying witness, both in a temporal and eternal sense.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/speak_forever.htm">Speak Forever</a></b><br>This phrase suggests the enduring legacy and influence of those who uphold and speak the truth.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_deceit.htm">The Consequences of Deceit</a></b><br>Lying leads to destruction. The Bible consistently warns that deceitful practices result in both temporal and eternal consequences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_enduring_power_of_truth.htm">The Enduring Power of Truth</a></b><br>Truth has a lasting impact. Those who speak truth align themselves with God's eternal nature and leave a legacy that endures.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_listening.htm">The Importance of Listening</a></b><br>Listening to truth is foundational. Before one can speak truth, they must first be willing to hear and accept it.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_witness.htm">Integrity in Witness</a></b><br>Upholding truth in testimony is crucial. Whether in legal matters or daily interactions, integrity in our words reflects our faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_discernment.htm">Spiritual Discernment</a></b><br>Discernment is necessary to distinguish truth from lies. Christians are called to develop spiritual discernment through prayer and study of the Word.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_dogmatic_theology.htm">What is Dogmatic Theology?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_christian_work_ethic.htm">What does the Bible say about Christian work ethic?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_wicked_prosper_without_downfall.htm">Proverbs 24:16: How can the wicked be said to 'fall' when many evil rulers throughout history prospered without clear downfall?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'seasoned_with_salt'_mean.htm">What does the Bible teach about self-control?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(28) <span class= "bld">But the man that heareth </span>(carefully, and repeats accurately) <span class= "bld">speaketh constantly </span>(his testimony will live).--Comp., "he being dead yet speaketh," <a href="/hebrews/11-4.htm" title="By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaks.">Hebrews 11:4</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 28.</span> - (For the first hemistich, see <a href="/proverbs/6-19.htm">Proverbs 6:19</a>; <a href="/proverbs/19-5.htm">Proverbs 19:5, 9</a>.) <span class="cmt_word">Shall perish.</span> His testimony is worthless, and both he and it come to nothing. <span class="cmt_word">The man that heareth speaketh constantly;</span> Vulgate, <span class="accented">vir obediens</span>; Septuagint, <span class="greek">Ἀνὴρ ὑπήκοος φυλασσόμενος λαλήσει</span>, "An obedient man will speak guardedly." "The man that heareth" is one who is attentive, who listens before he speaks, and reports only what he has heard. Such a one will speak "for continuance," so that what he says is never falsified, or silenced, or refuted. Vulgate, <span class="accented">loquetur victoriam.</span> And so Aquila, Theodotion, and Symmachus, <span class="greek">εἰς νίκος</span>. Revised Version, <span class="accented">unchallenged.</span> The expression thus rendered is <span class="accented">lanetsach</span>, which means, in Hebrew at any rate, in <span class="accented">perpetuum</span>, "for continuance." But St. Jerome's rendering has been much used by the Fathers, who have drawn therefrom lessons of obedience. Thus St. Augustine, 'In Psalm.,' 70, "Sola obedientia tenet palmam, sola inobedientia invenit poenam.' St. Gregory, ' Moral,' 35:28, "An obedient man in truth speaketh of victories, because, when we humbly submit ourselves to the voice of another, we overcome ourselves in our heart" (Oxford transl.). See a long dissertation on obedience in the note of Corn. a Lapide on this passage of Proverbs. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/21-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">A lying</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּזָבִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(kə·zā·ḇîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3577.htm">Strong's 3577: </a> </span><span class="str2">A lie, falsehood, deceptive thing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">witness</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵד־</span> <span class="translit">(‘êḏ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5707.htm">Strong's 5707: </a> </span><span class="str2">A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will perish,</span><br /><span class="heb">יֹאבֵ֑ד</span> <span class="translit">(yō·ḇêḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6.htm">Strong's 6: </a> </span><span class="str2">To wander away, lose oneself, to perish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the man</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאִ֥ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who listens [to truth]</span><br /><span class="heb">שׁ֝וֹמֵ֗עַ</span> <span class="translit">(w·mê·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will speak</span><br /><span class="heb">יְדַבֵּֽר׃</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ḏab·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">forever.</span><br /><span class="heb">לָנֶ֥צַח</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ne·ṣaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5331.htm">Strong's 5331: </a> </span><span class="str2">Eminence, enduring, everlastingness, perpetuity</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/21-28.htm">Proverbs 21:28 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/21-28.htm">Proverbs 21:28 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/21-28.htm">Proverbs 21:28 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/21-28.htm">Proverbs 21:28 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/21-28.htm">Proverbs 21:28 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/21-28.htm">Proverbs 21:28 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/21-28.htm">Proverbs 21:28 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/21-28.htm">Proverbs 21:28 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/21-28.htm">Proverbs 21:28 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/21-28.htm">Proverbs 21:28 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/21-28.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 21:28 A false witness will perish (Prov. 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