Proverbs 12:17 [He that] speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
Ver. 17. He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness.] Will be ready to help the truth in necessity, and will do it boldly, as the word signifies - even with a courage not budging, for "Charity rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, hut rejoiceth in the truth." 1Co 13:6
But a false witness uttereth deceit.] Coloureth his sycophancies with plausible pretences, and faceth down an untruth. "The proud have forged a lie against me." Psa 119:69 The Hebrew hath it, Assuunt mendacium mendacio, They eke out one lie with another; they are loud and lewd liars; as Egesippus saith of Pilate, that he was Vir nequam et parvi faciens mendacium. What is truth? said he, scornfully, to our Saviour, q.d., Thy life is in question, and dost thou talk of truth?