Proverbs 6:19

19 A 1false witness who utters lies, And one who 2spreads strife among brothers.

Proverbs 6:19 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 6:19

A false witness [that] speaketh lies
Or, "that speaketh lies, [even] a false witness" F6; and so this is distinguished from a lying tongue, the second of these evils: this is the sin of bearing false witness against one's neighbour, a breach of the eighth command. It may be rendered, "he that bloweth lies" F7; that raises lies, and spreads them abroad, and swears to them, to the damage of others. This makes the sixth; and the seventh follows, and him that soweth discord among brethren;
whether in a natural relation, or in a civil society, or in a religious community.


FOOTNOTES:

F6 So Vatablus, Mercerus
F7 (Mybzk xypy) "qui efflat mendacia", Piscator, Michaelis.

Proverbs 6:19 In-Context

17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil,
19 A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.
20 My son, observe the commandment of your father And do not forsake the teaching of your mother;
21 Bind them continually on your heart; Tie them around your neck.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Psalms 27:12; Proverbs 12:17; Proverbs 19:5, 9; Proverbs 21:28
  • 2. Proverbs 6:14

Footnotes 1

New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, California.  All rights reserved.