Proverbs 19:28

KJV

¶ An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.

KJV (with Strong's)

An ungodly {H1100} witness {H5707} scorneth {H3887} judgment {H4941}: and the mouth {H6310} of the wicked {H7563} devoureth {H1104} iniquity {H205}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A worthless witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked swallows wrongdoing.

Berean Standard Bible

A corrupt witness mocks justice, and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity.

American Standard Version

A worthless witness mocketh at justice; And the mouth of the wicked swalloweth iniquity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 19:28 vividly portrays the destructive character and actions of the wicked, particularly concerning their profound disregard for truth and justice. It describes an "ungodly witness" who holds the judicial process in utter contempt, actively mocking its authority and integrity. Furthermore, it highlights how the "mouth of the wicked" eagerly consumes and propagates evil, using speech as a vehicle for spreading falsehood, slander, and unrighteousness, thereby undermining the very fabric of a just society and revealing a deep-seated relish for wrongdoing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 19 is a rich tapestry of wisdom sayings, emphasizing themes such as diligence, honesty, the dangers of laziness, the importance of listening to counsel, and the consequences of both righteous and wicked behavior. This particular verse, Proverbs 19:28, is situated within a series of proverbs that often contrast the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked, frequently touching upon the power of words and their impact. It follows, for example, a proverb about the importance of a king's favor and the danger of his wrath (Proverbs 19:12) and precedes a proverb about the foolishness of a son who robs his father (Proverbs 19:26), reinforcing the broader emphasis on moral conduct and societal order. The immediate preceding verse, [Proverbs 19:27](/proverbs/19-27 "Proverbs 19:27 - Ceasing to Listen to Instruction"), warns against ceasing to listen to instruction, setting a stage where the rejection of wisdom, as seen in the ungodly witness, leads to profound moral decay and the active embrace of corrupt speech.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the legal system relied heavily on the testimony of witnesses. The concept of a "witness" (`ʻêd`) was foundational to establishing truth and administering justice, as seen in the detailed laws concerning testimony in the Pentateuch (e.g., [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement of Two or Three Witnesses")). Bearing false witness was a grave offense, explicitly forbidden by the [Ninth Commandment](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment"). Therefore, an "ungodly witness" posed a direct threat to the integrity of the community's legal and social order. The "judgment" (`mishpâṭ`) referred to here encompasses not only judicial verdicts but also the broader concept of righteous governance and divine law, making the scorn of such a witness a profound act of rebellion against both human and divine authority. The emphasis on the "mouth" also reflects a culture where oral communication, reputation, and public speech held immense power and consequence, often determining a person's standing and the community's well-being.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 19:28 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes found throughout the Book of Proverbs and broader biblical wisdom literature. It highlights the pervasive theme of **Justice and Righteousness**, contrasting the ideal of a fair legal system with its corruption by wicked individuals. The verse underscores the **Power and Responsibility of Speech**, demonstrating how words can either uphold truth or be instruments of destruction and deceit, a theme echoed in [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Death and Life in the Power of the Tongue"). It vividly illustrates the **Nature of Wickedness**, portraying it not merely as passive error but as an active, contemptuous, and even voracious embrace of evil. Finally, it speaks to the **Consequences of Moral Choices**, implicitly warning that a society that tolerates such contempt for truth and justice is on a path to decay, a theme echoed in passages like [Proverbs 14:34](/proverbs/14-34 "Proverbs 14:34 - Righteousness Exalts a Nation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ungodly (Hebrew, _bᵉlîyaʻal'_):** Derived from `bᵉlî` ("without") and `yaʻal` ("profit" or "worth"), this term literally means "worthless" or "profitless." It is often associated with extreme wickedness, destruction, and villainy, frequently appearing in phrases like "son of Belial" (e.g., [1 Samuel 2:12](/1_samuel/2-12 "1 Samuel 2:12 - The Sons of Eli, Sons of Belial")). In Proverbs 19:28, an "ungodly witness" is therefore not merely impious but fundamentally worthless and morally depraved, someone who brings no good and actively promotes evil.
* **Scorneth (Hebrew, _lûwts'_):** This primitive root means "to make mouths at," "to scoff," or "to mock." It implies a deliberate, defiant, and often derisive disrespect. When an ungodly witness "scorns judgment," they are not simply ignoring it but actively ridiculing and showing utter contempt for the judicial process, its rulings, and the very concept of justice itself. This word highlights the active, aggressive nature of their rebellion against truth and order.
* **Devoureth (Hebrew, _bâlaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to make away with by swallowing," "to gulp down," or "to destroy." When applied to the "mouth of the wicked" and "iniquity," it creates a powerful metaphor. It suggests a voracious, eager, and even pleasurable consumption of evil. The wicked do not merely commit iniquity; they ingest it, internalize it, and propagate it through their speech with a ravenous appetite, as if it were sustenance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"An ungodly witness scorneth judgment:"** This first clause introduces a character defined by their moral depravity and their contempt for truth and justice. An "ungodly witness" (`ʻêd bᵉlîyaʻal`) is someone whose testimony is inherently worthless and wicked, lacking any regard for righteousness or the integrity of the legal process. To "scorn judgment" (`lûwts mishpâṭ`) means to mock, ridicule, and show utter disdain for the verdict, the legal proceedings, or the very principle of justice itself. This reveals a heart that actively rebels against divine and human standards of equity and fairness, seeking to undermine the foundations of social order.
* **"and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity."** The second clause expands on the character of the wicked, focusing on their speech. The "mouth of the wicked" (`peh râshâʻ`) is not merely careless but is an instrument of active evil. To "devour iniquity" (`bâlaʻ ʼâven`) is a vivid metaphor, suggesting that the wicked eagerly, even ravenously, consume and propagate wickedness through their words. This implies that their speech is filled with lies, slander, false accusations, or the promotion of evil, as if they find sustenance and delight in spreading moral corruption. The term "iniquity" (`ʼâven`) encompasses not just wrongdoing but also trouble, vanity, and worthlessness, indicating that their words are productive of harm and moral decay, actively contributing to societal breakdown.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 19:28 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking impact. **Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, is evident in the two clauses, which function in a synonymous or perhaps progressive manner. The "ungodly witness" who "scorns judgment" is intrinsically linked to the "mouth of the wicked" that "devours iniquity," with the second clause amplifying and specifying the nature of the wickedness described in the first, showing how internal depravity manifests through speech. The most striking device is **Metaphor**, particularly in the phrase "the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity." This vivid imagery transforms abstract concepts (mouth, iniquity) into concrete, active verbs (devours), creating a powerful picture of the wicked's eager and voracious consumption and propagation of evil through their speech. This also borders on **Personification**, as the "mouth" is given the human-like action of "devouring," emphasizing its active and deliberate role in the spread of corruption and moral decay. The use of strong, evocative verbs like "scorneth" and "devoureth" also contributes to the verse's impactful and memorable nature, underscoring the aggressive and destructive character of the wicked.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 19:28 speaks profoundly to the biblical understanding of truth, justice, and the nature of sin. It highlights that true righteousness is not merely the absence of wrongdoing but an active commitment to truth and the upholding of justice. The "ungodly witness" and the "mouth of the wicked" represent a fundamental rebellion against the divine order, where God is the ultimate judge and the source of all truth. This verse underscores the pervasive nature of human depravity, showing how sin manifests not only in actions but also in attitudes (scorn) and words (devouring iniquity). It serves as a stark warning against the destructive power of deceitful speech and the moral decay that results when truth is abandoned and justice is mocked, emphasizing God's profound hatred for such perversion and His unwavering commitment to equity.

* [Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment: You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.")
* [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16-19 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - Seven things the Lord hates, including a lying tongue and a false witness who breathes out lies.")
* [Psalm 52:2-4](/psalms/52-2-4 "Psalm 52:2-4 - Description of a mighty man who devises mischief and loves evil more than good, lies more than truth.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 19:28 offers timeless wisdom that challenges us to critically examine our own character, our commitment to truth, and the impact of our words. In a world often saturated with misinformation, slander, and a casual disregard for facts, the "ungodly witness" serves as a potent archetype of those who actively undermine justice and propagate falsehoods. This verse calls us to be vigilant against such influences in our communities and to cultivate a deep reverence for truth in all aspects of life, whether in legal settings, public discourse, or private conversations. It compels us to reflect on the moral weight of our own speech, recognizing that our words have the power to either build up and reflect reality or to tear down and spread corruption. We are challenged to ensure that our mouths do not "devour iniquity" by engaging in gossip, slander, or the promotion of anything that is false or unrighteous, but rather that they are instruments of truth, grace, and life, contributing to a just and virtuous society that honors God's standards of righteousness and promotes human flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, even subtly, "scorn judgment" or disregard truth in my daily interactions or attitudes?**
* **How does my speech contribute to upholding truth and justice, or does it, perhaps unintentionally, "devour iniquity" through gossip, negativity, or the spreading of unverified information?**
* **What steps can I take to become a more reliable and righteous "witness" in my personal and public life, committed to integrity and fairness?**

### FAQ

**What constitutes an "ungodly witness" in the biblical sense?**

Answer: An "ungodly witness" (Hebrew: `ʻêd bᵉlîyaʻal`) is much more than just someone who is not religious. The term `bᵉlîyaʻal` signifies worthlessness, wickedness, and moral depravity. Therefore, an ungodly witness is a person whose testimony is inherently unreliable and corrupt, driven by malice, self-interest, or a fundamental disregard for truth and justice. They are not merely mistaken but actively perverse, using their position as a witness to undermine righteous judgment and promote evil, often through lies or misrepresentation, thereby subverting the very foundation of a just society.

**What does it mean to "scorn judgment"?**

Answer: To "scorn judgment" (Hebrew: `lûwts mishpâṭ`) means to mock, ridicule, or show utter contempt for the judicial process, its rulings, or the very concept of justice and righteousness itself. It implies an active and defiant disrespect for what is right and lawful, whether human or divine. This scorn reveals a heart that rebels against accountability and seeks to subvert the established order of truth and fairness, often through deceitful or manipulative speech. This is in stark contrast to the reverence for justice seen throughout the Law and Prophets, as in [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord requires: to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.").

**How does "the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity" apply to modern life?**

Answer: This vivid metaphor (Hebrew: `bâlaʻ ʼâven`) illustrates how the wicked eagerly and voraciously consume and propagate evil through their speech. In modern life, this can manifest in various ways: spreading false narratives, engaging in slander or character assassination, delighting in gossip, promoting harmful ideologies, or using words to justify or encourage immoral behavior. It speaks to a deep-seated appetite for wrongdoing that is expressed verbally, influencing others and corrupting public discourse. It serves as a powerful warning against the destructive potential of unchecked and unrighteous speech, whether in person, online, or through media, highlighting how words can be instruments of profound moral decay.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 19:28, with its stark portrayal of the ungodly witness and the mouth that devours iniquity, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. In contrast to the "ungodly witness" who scorns judgment, Jesus is the "faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - Jesus, the Faithful and True Witness")), who perfectly upholds divine judgment and embodies perfect justice. He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets")), demonstrating a complete reverence for God's righteous standards. While the mouth of the wicked "devours iniquity," Jesus's mouth spoke only truth, grace, and life. He was "full of grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - Jesus, full of grace and truth")), and "no deceit was found in his mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ committed no sin, nor was deceit found in his mouth")). Furthermore, instead of devouring iniquity, Christ, as the Lamb of God, took away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world")), bearing our iniquity on the cross so that we might be made righteous. Thus, Jesus stands as the perfect antithesis to the wicked described in this proverb, revealing the path to true justice and the transformative power of redemptive, truthful speech.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 15:16

How much more abominable and filthy [is] man, which drinketh iniquity like water?

Job 34:7

What man [is] like Job, [who] drinketh up scorning like water?

Job 20:12

Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, [though] he hide it under his tongue;

Job 20:13

[Though] he spare it, and forsake it not; but keep it still within his mouth:

Psalms 10:11

He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see [it].

Acts 6:11

Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and [against] God.

Acts 6:13

And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: