Proverbs 12:13-19--The Proverbs of Solomon

Proverbs 12:13-19
English Standard Version
​13 An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
    but the righteous escapes from trouble.
14 From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good,
    and the work of a man's hand comes back to him.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
    but a wise man listens to advice.
16 The vexation of a fool is known at once,
    but the prudent ignores an insult.
17 Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence,
    but a false witness utters deceit.
18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
    but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

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Once again, we are back to a man's words--his lips and his tongue--that help us figure out if he is a wise man or a fool, whether he is good or evil.  An evil man gets ensnared by the things he says--gets caught in a lie, people hear about the gossip they spread, or the curses they speak towards other return on their own head.  The righteous however escape from trouble because they have a reputation of being honest and speaking truth in love.  The words of a man's mouth should be satisfying and good--David said they should be sweeter than honey from the honeycomb.  The work of a man's hands returns to him.  This is why we say to be careful what words you speak, as you may need to eat those words (bitter or sweet) tomorrow.

The fool does whatever is right in his own eyes and thinks only of his own best interest.  He does not seek to do what is right in the eyes of the LORD or seek the ultimate good and welfare of others (which comes by obeying the LORD's Law).  The wise man listens to advice, and we know that he loves and obeys the Law of the LORD--he delights in it.

Truthful men give honest testimony in court, and people are more likely to believe what they say.  Liars won' think twice about offering false testimony to convict someone of a crime they didn't commit or to try to set someone free that they know is guilty.  Often, the integrity of the witness is questioned to see if the witness has a history of lying that might lead the jury or judge to infer that the witness may not take his oath seriously and may perjure himself.

The wicked person uses their words to cut and try and destroy people (like someone wielding a sharp sword--it is only meant to do damage).  However, the words of the wise are meant to bring healing, even if they hurt for a time like a surgeon's scalpel might.  We should welcome the faithful wounds of a friend, though that does not mean that we should be trying to "cut" people in love all the time.  We should be seeking to bind up their wound and ease their pain as much as it is possible while still staying true to God's nature and character and His Word.

Since God is Truth, the truth will last forever, but since Satan is the father of all lies and his kingdom is but temporary, lies cannot endure forever (all liars will have their part in the Lake of Fire that was prepared for the devil and his angels).  The plans of the wicked which they scheme and carry out by lies will not ultimately succeed.  The truth will prevail, and the plans of the LORD will be accomplished.