19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

22 Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.

Other Translations of Proverbs 12:19-22

New International Version

19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.

21 No harm overtakes the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

22 The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.

English Standard Version

19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.

21 No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.

22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.

The Message

19 Truth lasts; lies are here today, gone tomorrow.

20 Evil scheming distorts the schemer; peace-planning brings joy to the planner.

21 No evil can overwhelm a good person, but the wicked have their hands full of it.

22 God can't stomach liars; he loves the company of those who keep their word.

New King James Version

19 The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy.

21 No grave trouble will overtake the righteous, But the wicked shall be filled with evil.

22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

New Living Translation

19 Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.

20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

21 No harm comes to the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

22 The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 12:19-22

Commentary on Proverbs 12:19

(Read Proverbs 12:19)

If truth be spoken, it will hold good; whoever may be disobliged, still it will keep its ground.

Commentary on Proverbs 12:20

(Read Proverbs 12:20)

Deceit and falsehood bring terrors and perplexities. But those who consult the peace and happiness of others have joy in their own minds.

Commentary on Proverbs 12:21

(Read Proverbs 12:21)

If men are sincerely righteous, the righteous God has engaged that no evil shall happen to them. But they that delight in mischief shall have enough of it.

Commentary on Proverbs 12:22

(Read Proverbs 12:22)

Make conscience of truth, not only in words, but in actions.