Proverbs 6:19

19 1a false witness who 2breathes out lies, and one who 3sows discord 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 make haste to run to evil,
19 a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
20 My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching.
21 Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck.

Cross References 3

  • 1. See Psalms 27:12
  • 2. Proverbs 12:17; Proverbs 14:5, 25; Proverbs 19:5, 9
  • 3. [See ver. 14 above]
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.