The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Words of truth will last forever, but lies only survive for a short time.
The writer is teaching that truthfulness has lasting power while lies are temporary and will eventually be exposed.
📚 Historical Context
This proverb was written during Israel's golden age when King Solomon was known for his wisdom and just rule. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a person's word and reputation were everything - your trustworthiness determined your place in society and business dealings. The contrast between lasting truth and temporary lies would have been especially meaningful in a time when oral agreements and spoken testimony carried great legal and social weight.
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