Proverbs 6:19
A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Original Language Analysis
יָפִ֣יחַ
that speaketh
H6315
יָפִ֣יחַ
that speaketh
Strong's:
H6315
Word #:
1 of 8
to puff, i.e., blow with the breath or air; hence, to fan (as a breeze), to utter, to kindle (a fire), to scoff
כְּ֭זָבִים
lies
H3577
כְּ֭זָבִים
lies
Strong's:
H3577
Word #:
2 of 8
falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol)
עֵ֣ד
witness
H5707
עֵ֣ד
witness
Strong's:
H5707
Word #:
3 of 8
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
וּמְשַׁלֵּ֥חַ
and he that soweth
H7971
וּמְשַׁלֵּ֥חַ
and he that soweth
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
5 of 8
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
Cross References
Proverbs 19:5A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.Proverbs 6:14Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.Proverbs 19:9A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.James 3:18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.Psalms 27:12Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.Proverbs 25:18A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.Proverbs 26:20Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.Proverbs 22:10Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.
Historical Context
Concludes seven abominations (vv.16-19) with sins destroying covenant community. Ancient Israel's justice system and social cohesion depended on truthful witness and brotherly unity.
Questions for Reflection
- How are you contributing to unity versus sowing discord in your faith community?
- What makes you vulnerable to bearing false witness through slander or gossip?
Analysis & Commentary
A false witness speaking lies and sowing discord among brethren conclude the abominations list. Both violate the ninth commandment and destroy community. False witness corrupts justice; sowing discord corrupts fellowship. That the list ends with sins against community suggests covenant community's importance. Individual piety must include communal responsibility - loving God requires loving neighbor.