People who lie in court or twist the truth won’t last, but those who listen carefully and speak honestly will endure. The Hebrew word for "false witness" is ed sheqer, meaning someone who deliberately distorts the truth. The one who "listens" (shomea) is someone who pays attention, weighing words before speaking.

This proverb pushes back against the idea that you can get ahead by bending the truth. Lies might work for a while, but they eventually fall apart. It’s those who value truth—who listen well and speak with integrity—who build a reputation that lasts.

If you’re tempted to exaggerate or hide the truth to get what you want, this verse is a warning: honesty might seem slow, but it’s the only way to build something real.