What does Proverbs 19:5 mean?

As a man known for wisdom and discernment, Solomon was accustomed to trying court cases. Part of that process included deciding whether a witness was truthful or lying. In the legal sense, Solomon's warning is very literal. In modern terminology, lying to an official court is called "perjury," and it is treated as a crime in and of itself. However, the principle applies generally to anyone who slanders another and tells lies: sooner or later, consequences will come. As a later proverb notes, those results can be dire (Proverbs 19:9).

Galatians 6:7 affirms this truth by stating, "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatsoever one sows, that will he also reap." Listed in the Ten Commandments is the command, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16). A false witness may get away with lies, at first. That might even include perjury in a human court. And yet, someday the liar will be judged in the court of heaven. Jesus said, "The evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (Matthew 12:35–37).