Proverbial Hump Day: Proverbs 13:5

The righteous hate falsehood

The proverbs are a collection of aphorisms that depict opposite values. Proverbs 13:5 is the perfect example.

The righteous hate falsehood, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.

What exactly is being contrasted in this verse?

Source: Pixabay

Falsehood: A shame and a disgrace

It’s no secret, or surprise, that Proverbs 13:5 compares falsehood with shame and disgrace. Just as the “righteous” and the “wicked” are at extreme odds with each other, “falsehood” and “shame/disgrace” are very close relatives.

The righteous hate falsehood because the Truth is righteous. God Himself is Truth. Jesus Christ claimed to be the Truth. And in Him is no lie. Therefore, those who will be righteous will speak the truth and shun all lies.

Ah! But the wicked …

That little word “but” tells us that what comes after is a direct contrast to the former. Just as the righteous love truth, because they hate falsehood, the wicked hate the truth and love falsehood, causing themselves to be a disgrace.

We live in an age where it is fashionable to call good “evil” and call evil “good.” The human race has lost its way. If we judge by our culture’s standards, wicked appears to be winning. But we know, in the end, the victory belongs to the Righteous—Jesus Christ himself.

Thanks, but I’ll choose the winning team.

Allen Taylor is the author of I Am Not the King.