Proverbs 12:17 - Exposition

He that speaketh —breatheth out fearlessly ( Proverbs 6:19 )— truth showeth forth righteousness. The truth always conduces to justice and right, not only in a matter of law, but generally and in all cases. Vulgate, "He who speaks that which he knows is a discoverer of justice;" Septuagint, "A just man announces well proved assurance [or, 'the open truth'] ( ἐπιδεικνυμένην πίστιν )." A false witness showeth forth deceit ( Proverbs 14:5 , Proverbs 14:25 ); exhibits his true character, which is fraud, treachery, and wrong doing.