Proverbs 25:18

18 One who gives false witness against his neighbour is a hammer 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 If you have honey, take only as much as is enough for you; for fear that, being full of it, you may not be able to keep it down.

17 Let not your foot be frequently in your neighbour's house, or he may get tired of you, and his feeling be turned to hate.

18 One who gives false witness against his neighbour is a hammer and a sword and a sharp arrow.

19 Putting one's faith in a false man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth and a shaking foot.

20 Like one who takes off clothing in cold weather and like acid on a wound, is he who makes melody to a sad heart.