A corrupt witness mocks justiceA corrupt witness refers to someone who deliberately provides false testimony, undermining the judicial process. In ancient Israel, justice was a foundational principle, with the legal system designed to reflect God's righteousness. The ninth commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (
Exodus 20:16), underscores the importance of truthfulness. False testimony could lead to severe consequences, including the miscarriage of justice and the punishment of the innocent. The Hebrew legal system required multiple witnesses to establish a matter (
Deuteronomy 19:15), highlighting the seriousness of truthful testimony. The act of mocking justice by a corrupt witness is a direct affront to God's character, as He is depicted as a just judge throughout Scripture (
Psalm 9:7-8). This phrase also connects to the trial of Jesus, where false witnesses were brought against Him (
Matthew 26:59-61), illustrating the ultimate miscarriage of justice.
and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity
A wicked mouth represents speech that is deceitful, slanderous, or harmful. Iniquity refers to moral wrongdoing or sin. The imagery of swallowing iniquity suggests an eagerness or willingness to embrace and perpetuate sin through one's words. In the cultural context of the Bible, speech was considered a powerful tool that could either build up or destroy (Proverbs 18:21). The wicked mouth is contrasted with the righteous speech that brings life and healing (Proverbs 12:18). This phrase warns against the dangers of using one's words to promote evil, as seen in the broader biblical narrative where the tongue is described as a "restless evil" (James 3:8). The connection to other scriptures, such asPsalm 5:9, which describes the deceitful nature of the wicked, reinforces the idea that God values integrity and truth in speech. The ultimate example of righteous speech is found in Jesus Christ, whose words were always aligned with truth and grace (John 1:14).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Corrupt WitnessThis refers to an individual who gives false testimony, thereby perverting justice. In the context of ancient Israel, witnesses played a crucial role in legal proceedings, and their integrity was vital for justice to be served.
2.
JusticeA central theme in the Bible, justice represents fairness and righteousness. In Hebrew, the word for justice is "mishpat," which encompasses the idea of God's order and moral law.
3.
The WickedThis term describes those who live in opposition to God's commandments, often characterized by deceit and immorality.
4.
IniquityIniquity refers to gross injustice or wickedness. The Hebrew word "avon" implies a twisting or perversion of what is right.
Teaching Points
The Importance of TruthfulnessAs followers of Christ, we are called to be people of truth. Bearing false witness not only harms others but also dishonors God, who is the ultimate judge of all.
Guarding Our SpeechOur words have power. We must be vigilant to ensure that our speech reflects righteousness and not wickedness. This includes avoiding gossip, slander, and deceit.
The Consequences of InjusticeInjustice leads to societal decay. As Christians, we should advocate for justice and righteousness in our communities, reflecting God's heart for fairness and equity.
Self-ExaminationWe must regularly examine our own hearts and actions to ensure we are not partaking in or supporting iniquity. Repentance and seeking God's guidance are crucial.
Influence of the WickedBe aware of the influence of the wicked around us. We must stand firm in our faith and not be swayed by those who mock justice and embrace sin.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 19:28?
2.How can we avoid becoming "a corrupt witness" as warned in Proverbs 19:28?
3.What does "mocks justice" mean, and how can we uphold justice today?
4.How does Proverbs 19:28 connect with the Ninth Commandment about false testimony?
5.In what ways can we ensure our words align with biblical truth?
6.How can we encourage others to value truth and justice in their lives?
7.What does Proverbs 19:28 reveal about the nature of justice and truth?
8.How does Proverbs 19:28 challenge our understanding of integrity?
9.What historical context influences the message of Proverbs 19:28?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 19?
11.What is the Bible's stance on snitching?
12.How should we respond to those who wrong us?
13.Why does Jeremiah 21:4-7 depict God actively fighting against His own people, contradicting the notion of a loving deity?
14.When is it time to be silent or speak?What Does Proverbs 19:28 Mean
Setting within ProverbsProverbs often contrasts righteousness and wickedness to reveal God’s heart for everyday life. Just a few verses earlier, we read, “Better the poor whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse” (19:1).Proverbs 19:28 continues that theme, spotlighting the destructive power of dishonest speech in court and in daily conversation.
"A corrupt witness"• The phrase calls to mind the ninth commandment against bearing false testimony (Exodus 20:16).
• God required two or three trustworthy witnesses before a verdict could stand (Deuteronomy 19:15), and severe penalties awaited anyone who lied on the stand (Deuteronomy 19:16-21).
• False witnesses hounded Jesus at His trial (Matthew 26:59-60), proving how a “corrupt witness” can be weaponized against the innocent.
• Proverbs repeatedly warns against this sin: “A false witness will not go unpunished” (19:5) and “A lying witness is an agent of deceit” (14:25).
"Mocks justice"• To “mock” is to laugh at, scorn, or make light of something serious. When someone lies under oath, they treat God’s standard of justice with contempt.
•Proverbs 28:5 notes, “Evil men do not understand justice.” The corrupt witness flaunts that ignorance publicly.
•Isaiah 5:23 condemns judges “who acquit the guilty for a bribe.” Their mocking attitude devalues truth, harms the innocent, and erodes society’s foundations.
"A wicked mouth"• Scripture often links the mouth to the heart: “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).
• A “wicked mouth” is not limited to courtroom lies; it describes any speech soaked in evil—gossip, slander, deceit, or profanity (Proverbs 4:24;James 3:6-8).
•Proverbs 10:31 reminds us, “The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.” The contrast is stark: what flows from the lips reveals who truly rules the heart.
"Swallows iniquity"• The image is graphic: the wicked mouth eagerly gulps down sin as though it were a tasty drink.Job 15:16 pictures the same appetite, describing the ungodly as those “who drink injustice like water.”
• Instead of recoiling from evil, this person ingests it, nourishes themselves on it, and grows even more corrupt (Romans 1:32).
•Psalm 14:4 laments, “Will the workers of iniquity never learn? They devour my people as they eat bread.” Evil speech is not a harmless habit; it consumes both speaker and hearer.
Living out the proverb• Guard the witness stand of everyday life. Whether signing a document, posting online, or recounting an event, we are “witnesses” before God (Colossians 3:9-10).
• Speak truth even when it costs. Daniel’s three friends refused to lie or compromise before Babylon’s king (Daniel 3:16-18). Their integrity invites us to do likewise.
• Cultivate a palate for righteousness. Fill your heart with God’s Word so that, when you open your mouth, life flows out instead of iniquity (Psalm 119:11;Ephesians 4:29).
• Remember Jesus, “the faithful and true Witness” (Revelation 3:14). Trusting Him not only forgives our past falsehoods but also empowers new speech marked by grace and truth.
summaryProverbs 19:28 exposes two linked sins: bearing false witness and delighting in evil speech. A liar in court “mocks justice,” showing open contempt for God’s righteous order. The same mouth, unrestrained by truth, “swallows iniquity,” consuming sin with appetite rather than disgust. In contrast, God calls His people to truthful testimony, reverence for justice, and words that reflect a redeemed heart.
(28)
An ungodly (worthless)witness scorneth judgment.--Despises the orders of the Law to avoid perjury (
Exodus 20:16;
Leviticus 5:1). (Comp.
1Kings 8:31).
The mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.--As a dainty morsel. (Comp.Proverbs 18:8.)
Verse 28. -
An ungodly (
worthless)
witness scorneth judgment; derides the Law which denounces perjury and compels a witness to speak truth (
Exodus 20:16;
Leviticus 5:1), and, as is implied he bears false testimony, thus proving himself "a witness of Belial," according to the Hebrew term. Septuagint, "He who becometh security for a foolish child outrages judgment."
The mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity; swallows it eagerly as a toothsome morsel (
Proverbs 18:8). So we have in
Job 15:16,"A man that drinketh iniquity like water" (see on Proverbs 26:6). Such a man will lie and slander with the utmost pleasure, living and battening on wickedness. Septuagint, "The mouth of the impious drinketh judgments (
κρίσεις),"
i.e. boldly transgresses the Law.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
A corruptבְּ֭לִיַּעַל(bə·lî·ya·‘al)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1100:Without profit, worthlessness, destruction, wickednesswitnessעֵ֣ד(‘êḏ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5707:A witness, testimony, a recorder, princemocksיָלִ֣יץ(yā·lîṣ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3887:Ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mockerjustice,מִשְׁפָּ֑ט(miš·pāṭ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941:A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, styleand a wickedרְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים(rə·šā·‘îm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7563:Wrong, an, bad personmouthוּפִ֥י(ū·p̄î)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310:The mouth, edge, portion, side, according toswallowsיְבַלַּע־(yə·ḇal·la‘-)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1104:To swallow down, swallow up, engulfiniquity.אָֽוֶן׃(’ā·wen)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 205:Strictly nothingness, trouble, vanity, wickedness, an idol
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 19:28 A corrupt witness mocks justice and (Prov. Pro Pr) 
