49 The text has “he pours out faithfully”; the word rendered “faithfully” or “reliably” (אֱמוּנָה, ’emunah) is used frequently for giving testimony in court, and so here the subject matter is the reliable witness.
50 Heb “righteousness.”
51 Heb “witness of falsehoods.” The genitive noun functions attributively, and the plural form depicts habitual action or moral characteristic. This describes a person who habitually lies. A false witness cannot be counted on to help the cause of justice.
52 The term “speaks” does not appear in this line but is implied by the parallelism; it is supplied in the translation for clarity and smoothness.
53 The term בּוֹטֶה (boteh) means “to speak rashly [or, thoughtlessly]” (e.g., Lev 5:4; Num 30:7).
54 Heb “the tongue” (so , , ). The term לָשׁוֹן (lashon, “tongue”) functions as a metonymy of cause for what is said.
55 The term “brings” does not appear in the Hebrew but is supplied in the translation for the sake of clarity and smoothness.
56 Healing is a metonymy of effect. Healing words are the opposite of the cutting, irresponsible words. What the wise say is faithful and true, gentle and kind, uplifting and encouraging; so their words bring healing.
57 Heb “a lip of truth.” The genitive אֱמֶת (’emet, “truth”) functions as an attributive adjective: “truthful lip.” The term שְׂפַת (séfat, “lip”) functions as a synecdoche of part (= lip) for the whole (= person): “truthful person.” The contrast is between “the lip of truth” and the “tongue of lying.”
58 Heb “a tongue of deceit.” The genitive שָׁקֶר (shaqer, “deceit”) functions as an attributive genitive. The noun לָשׁוֹן (lashon, “tongue”) functions as a synecdoche of part (= tongue) for the whole (= person): “lying person.”
59 Heb “while I would twinkle.” This expression is an idiom meaning “only for a moment.” The twinkling of the eye, the slightest movement, signals the brevity of the life of a lie (hyperbole). But truth will be established (תִּכּוֹן, tikon), that is, be made firm and endure.

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence,

but a false witness utters deceit.

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Truthful lips endure forever,

but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

An honest witness tells the truth,

but a false witness tells lies.

The words of the reckless pierce like swords,

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Truthful lips endure forever,

but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

CSBChristian Standard Bible

Whoever speaks the truth declares what is right,

but a false witness speaks deceit.

There is one who speaks rashly,

like a piercing sword;

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Truthful lips endure forever,

but a lying tongue, only a moment.

NLTNew Living Translation

An honest witness tells the truth;

a false witness tells lies.

Some people make cutting remarks,

but the words of the wise bring healing.

Truthful words stand the test of time,

but lies are soon exposed.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

He who will speak truth will reveal righteousness,

but the witness of falsehood, deceit.

There is one who speaks rashly, like the thrust of a sword,

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

A lip of truth endures forever,

but a tongue of deception lasts only a moment.

KJV 1900King James Version

He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness:

But a false witness deceit.

There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword:

But the tongue of the wise is health.

The lip of truth shall be established for ever:

But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

Public Domain