Proverbs 25:18

18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbor Is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

Proverbs 25:18 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 25:18

A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour
In whose house he has often been, and whom he has frequently visited; and, observing what was done there, not only discovers and tells abroad the secrets of his family, but even things which are false; yea, in a court of judicature, appears a witness against him, and swears falsely to his hurt and prejudice. Such a man [is] a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow;
that is, to his neighbour, against whom he bears false witness; and, by so doing, he mauls his fame, his credit, character, and reputation; and, as with a sword, takes away his life; and against whom there is no more guarding than against a sharp arrow, that comes from afar, suddenly and swiftly.

Proverbs 25:18 In-Context

16 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, Lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
17 Let thy foot be seldom in thy neighbor's house, Lest he be weary of thee, and hate thee.
18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbor Is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is [like] a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
20 [As] one that taketh off a garment in cold weather, [and as] vinegar upon soda, So is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart.
The American Standard Version is in the public domain.