What is the meaning of Proverbs 6:19? a false witness who gives false testimony Proverbs 6:19 opens with “a false witness who pours out lies”. God singles out lying in court—or anywhere our word is trusted—as one of the seven behaviors He “hates” (Proverbs 6:16-19). In Scripture, truth is never optional and never merely personal. • Truth reflects God’s own character (Numbers 23:19; John 14:6). When we knowingly distort facts, we step out of alignment with Him. • False testimony attacks justice. Exodus 20:16 forbids bearing false witness because it can ruin reputations, livelihoods, even lives (1 Kings 21:8-13). • A lie spreads quickly and is hard to reclaim (Proverbs 26:18-19). Even if retracted, damage lingers, so God treats intentional deceit as a serious sin (Proverbs 19:5). • Speaking truth sometimes costs us, yet God honors those who “swear to their own hurt and do not change” (Psalm 15:4). Living this verse means: – Refusing half-truths or exaggerations that favor us. – Protecting the good name of others when we report events (Proverbs 12:17). – Upholding integrity in every setting—home, workplace, social media—because all speech is testimony before God (Matthew 12:36). one who stirs up discord among brothers The second phrase shifts from courtroom lies to community sabotage: “and one who spreads strife among brothers”. The Lord detests people who delight in conflict where harmony should thrive. • God designed His family to dwell “in unity” (Psalm 133:1). Sowing division fights that plan. • Discord often begins with whispers, innuendo, or flattery that plays one side against another (Proverbs 16:28; 26:20-22). • The New Testament urges believers to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit” (Ephesians 4:3) and to “agree with one another” (1 Corinthians 1:10). Those who will not cease stirring unrest must be warned, then avoided (Romans 16:17; Titus 3:10). • Practical guardrails: – Address problems directly with the person involved (Matthew 18:15). – Verify information before repeating it (Proverbs 18:17). – Champion reconciliation, not sides (Galatians 6:1). Stirring up discord fractures families, churches, and friendships. God calls us instead to be peacemakers, promising blessing to those who plant “seeds of peace” that reap righteousness (James 3:18). summary Proverbs 6:19 warns against two destructive tongues: the liar who twists truth, and the agitator who fractures relationships. Both behaviors oppose God’s nature and threaten the well-being of His people. By honoring truth in every word and guarding unity in every relationship, we walk in step with the God who loves justice and peace. |
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