14:25

Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:

25a
A truthful witness saves lives,

25b but one who utters lies is deceitful.

14:25a–b

A truthful witness saves lives: This clause refers to a trial where an innocent person may have been falsely accused. A witness who tells the truth will save the accused person from being convicted and sentenced to death. In some languages, some of this implied information may need to be made explicit. See the meaning lines for 14:25a in the Display.

but one who utters lies is deceitful: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as deceitful refers to either deceit or treachery/betrayal. Someone who utters lies deceives the people who decide the guilt or innocence of a person who is on trial. At the same time, he betrays the accused person.

You may translate either way. Both meanings fit the context. For example:

whoever utters lies is a deceiver (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
but a false witness is a traitor (New Century Version)

In some languages, the word deceitful may need to be expressed as a verb with an explicit object. In that situation, the object will be different, depending on whether you choose the sense of “deceit” or “betrayal.” For example:

a false witness deceives ⌊people who are trying a court case⌋
-or-
a false witness betrays ⌊the accused person⌋

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