Proverbs 19:28
An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.
Original Language Analysis
עֵ֣ד
witness
H5707
עֵ֣ד
witness
Strong's:
H5707
Word #:
1 of 8
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
בְּ֭לִיַּעַל
An ungodly
H1100
בְּ֭לִיַּעַל
An ungodly
Strong's:
H1100
Word #:
2 of 8
without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness
יָלִ֣יץ
scorneth
H3887
יָלִ֣יץ
scorneth
Strong's:
H3887
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, to make mouths at, i.e., to scoff; hence (from the effort to pronounce a foreign language) to interpret, or (generally) intercede
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
judgment
H4941
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
וּפִ֥י
and the mouth
H6310
וּפִ֥י
and the mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
5 of 8
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
of the wicked
H7563
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
of the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
6 of 8
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
Historical Context
Israelite law prescribed severe penalties for false witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:16-21), recognizing how perjury destroys justice and the community's moral foundation.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you ever shade truth or remain silent when speaking up would serve justice?
- How does understanding God as ultimate Judge affect your commitment to truthfulness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The 'ungodly witness' (literally 'witness of Belial,' denoting worthlessness and wickedness) perverts justice by false testimony. Such a person 'scorneth judgment'—holding God's justice in contempt. The second clause reveals his motivation: the wicked 'devoureth iniquity' like food, finding pleasure in evil itself. False witness isn't merely a pragmatic lie but reflects a heart that delights in wickedness and injustice. This violates the ninth commandment and strikes at the foundation of social order. In God's courtroom, every false witness will face ultimate judgment. By contrast, Christ is the faithful and true witness, and His people must reflect His truthfulness.