Proverbs 25:18

18 A man that bears false witness against his neighbour 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 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house lest he be weary of thee and so hate thee.
18 A man that bears false witness against his neighbour 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 he that takes away a garment in cold weather and as vinegar upon soap, so is he that sings songs to a heavy heart.
The Jubilee Bible (from the Scriptures of the Reformation), edited by Russell M. Stendal, Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2010