Bible Strands
Proverbs 6:19
a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The speaker is the author of Proverbs, addressing his son as part of a warning against seven specific abominations. This verse concludes the list by naming two destructive behaviors.
The words — יָפִיחַ (ya.Fi.ach) literally means "he breathes out" and describes how a false witness exhales lies. מְשַׁלֵּחַ (me.sha.Le.ach) means "one who spreads" and refers to the active dissemination of contentions between brothers.
The thread — The text parallels Proverbs 19:5, which warns that a false witness will not escape punishment, and Proverbs 6:14, which describes a deceiver who continually sows discord. James 3:18 contrasts this behavior by noting that peacemakers sow in peace and reap righteousness.
Why it lands — The text demands the reader reject both perjury and the active promotion of factionalism within community. It requires a commitment to truthful speech and the preservation of unity rather than the exploitation of division.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 19:5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.
- Proverbs 6:14 With deceit in his heart he devises evil; he continually sows discord.
- James 3:18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.
- Psalms 27:12 Do not hand me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.
- Proverbs 19:9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish.
- Deuteronomy 19:16 If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime,
- Proverbs 25:18 Like a club or sword or sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.
- James 3:14 But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth.
- Proverbs 12:17 He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit.
- Proverbs 22:10 Drive out the mocker, and conflict will depart; even quarreling and insults will cease.