This is the seventh and final time the book of Proverbs has a proverb concerning a false witness. (6:19, 12:17, 14:5, 25, 19:5, 9, 21:28) Some would say that seven is of significance because seven is considered “fullness” and “completion” in the Hebrew language and the Bible. I find it interesting that these seven contain two pairs that say almost the same thing (12:7 & 14:5, 19:5 & 19:9), and the first half of this one is the same as 19:6 & 9 making their stated truth a trio, just as the God of the Bible is a triune God. The number three is “divine wholeness” and “perfection” in the Hebrew language and the Bible. The triune truth concerning a false witness is a firm prediction of their destiny; they will perish. (See also Isaiah 29:20-21.) The finale, the second half of 21:28, is unique in Proverbs’ subject of a false witness.
All English translations sync the translation of “kazab ed abad” in the first half of the proverb. The false (lying) witness will perish. The finale second half of the proverb concerns those who listen. English translations say either they will speak successfully or they will speak eternally (NIV’s alternate translation too). The Hebrew noun “netsach” (a transliteration) contains the combined essence of speaking successfully forever. The point is they will not cease to exist because they always listen and then speak the truth. They have been a true witness. Proverbs 12:17, 14:5, and 14:25 declare that a truthful witness gives honest testimony, does not deceive, and saves lives. So now in verse 21:28, the Lord God declares through Solomon that they will continue to speak truth without end.
Jesus commissions me and all his followers to be his witness to the ends of the earth. If I remain a truthful witness and do not become a false witness of all the things he said and did, then I will live forever in the Kingdom of Truth with him and all the saints (John 5:8-15, 8:24; Acts 1:8). This is encouragement in a generation where lies often go unpunished and even rewarded.
