Proverbs 6:19

19 An unjust witness kindles falsehoods, and brings on quarrels between brethren.

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 The eye of the haughty, a tongue unjust, hands shedding the blood of the just;
18 and a heart devising evil thoughts, and feet hastening to do evil, — .
19 An unjust witness kindles falsehoods, and brings on quarrels between brethren.
20 son, keep the laws of thy father, and reject not the ordinances of thy mother:
21 but bind them upon thy soul continually, and hang them as a chain about thy neck.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Gr sends forth judgments.

The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.