Proverbs 19:28

28 An unprincipled witness desecrates justice; the mouths of the wicked spew malice.

Proverbs 19:28 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 19:28

An ungodly witness scorneth judgment
Or, "a witness of Belial" F26. A false witness is not awed by the place of judgment where he is; nor by the judge before whom he is; nor by the law, the rule of judgment, nor by the punishment of perjury; he scorns all these, and scoffs at them, and proceeds in bearing a false testimony: or he covers that which is right and just, and eludes judgment by specious and sophistic arguments and pretences. Or this may be understood of a false teacher, that scorns the rule of judgment, or colours over things, to make them plausible, and seem to be agreeable to it; and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity;
greedily, and with pleasure commits it; as a hungry man takes in his food; or a thirsty man drinks down water: and in like manner are false doctrines imbibed by men of perverse minds.


FOOTNOTES:

F26 (leylb de) "testis Belijahal", Montanus, Tigurine version, Baynus.

Proverbs 19:28 In-Context

26 Kids who lash out against their parents are an embarrassment and disgrace.
27 If you quit listening, dear child, and strike off on your own, you'll soon be out of your depth.
28 An unprincipled witness desecrates justice; the mouths of the wicked spew malice.
29 The irreverent have to learn reverence the hard way; only a slap in the face brings fools to attention.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.