He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
– Proverbs 12:17
[T]he word for righteousness means justice and along with the term false witness, this proverb has a legal connotation. Speaking truth reliably manifests or upholds justice (Proverbs 14:5, 25). So the thought here includes consistency or reliability in those who speak truth. A false witness is more than one who lies. Their lies or deceit through omission perverts justice (Proverbs 19:28; 24:28).