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Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 19:28.
Here is a description of the worst of sinners, whose hearts are fully set in them to do evil. 1. They set that at defiance which would deter and detain them from sin: An ungodly witness is one that bears false witness against his neighbour, and will forswear himself to do another a mischief, in which there is not only great injustice, but great impiety; this is one of the worst of men. Or an ungodly witness is one that profanely and atheistically witnesses against religion and godliness, whose instructions seduce from the words of knowledge (Pro 19:27); such a one scorns judgment, laughs at the terrors of the Lord, mocks at that fear, Job 15:26. Tell him of law and equity, that the scriptures and an oath are sacred things, and not to be jested with, that there will come a reckoning day; he laughs at it all, and scorns to heed it. 2. They are greedy, and glad of that which gives them an opportunity to sin: The mouth of the wicked eagerly devours iniquity, drinks it in like water, Job 15:16.
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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, 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). Bearing false witness was a grave offense, explicitly forbidden by 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. 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.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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). 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.
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.
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.
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
FAQ
What constitutes an "ungodly witness" in the biblical sense?
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"?
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.
How does "the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity" apply to modern life?
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), 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), 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), and "no deceit was found in his mouth" (1 Peter 2:22). Furthermore, instead of devouring iniquity, Christ, as the Lamb of God, took away the sin of the world (John 1:29), 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.