Proverbs 24:28

KJV

¶ Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive [not] with thy lips.

KJV (with Strong's)

Be not a witness {H5707} against thy neighbour {H7453} without cause {H2600}; and deceive {H6601} not with thy lips {H8193}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't be a witness against your neighbor for no reason -would you use your lips to deceive?

Berean Standard Bible

Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.

American Standard Version

Be not a witness against thy neighbor without cause; And deceive not with thy lips.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 24:28 issues a potent double prohibition against the misuse of speech, specifically warning against bearing false witness against one's neighbor without legitimate cause and engaging in any form of verbal deceit. This proverb profoundly emphasizes the critical importance of truthfulness, integrity, and justice within community relationships, underscoring that words carry immense weight and ethical responsibility, capable of either upholding or undermining the very fabric of society and individual well-being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This proverb is strategically placed within a collection known as the "words of the wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), a section that, while distinct from the earlier Solomonic proverbs, shares their overarching didactic purpose. These chapters consistently offer practical wisdom for daily living, ethical conduct, and social responsibility, frequently contrasting the paths and ultimate outcomes of the righteous and the wicked. Proverbs 24:28 immediately follows a warning against envying the wicked and a strong call to fear the Lord and the king, thereby positioning the integrity of speech as a foundational element for a stable and just society, alongside proper reverence and civic order. The broader book of [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Living") consistently champions wisdom, truth, and righteousness, while unequivocally condemning folly, deceit, and injustice, making this verse a concise encapsulation of these pervasive themes.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, oral testimony held immense legal and social weight. Unlike modern judicial systems with extensive written records and forensic evidence, the spoken word in a court of law or public forum was critically important. A witness's testimony could literally determine a person's reputation, property, freedom, or even their life. Consequently, bearing false witness was considered a grave offense, a direct violation of the [Ninth Commandment](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - You Shall Not Bear False Witness"). Such an act not only inflicted severe harm upon the individual but also corrupted the judicial system, undermined communal trust, and defied divine justice. The concept of "neighbor" (רֵעַ, _rêaʻ_) in this context was expansive, extending beyond immediate proximity to encompass any fellow member of the community, emphasizing a broad and deep ethical responsibility.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 24:28 contributes significantly to several foundational themes prevalent throughout the Book of Proverbs and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it champions **Truthfulness and Integrity**, asserting that honest speech is an indispensable cornerstone of righteous living. The prohibition against "deceiving with your lips" extends beyond formal testimony to encompass all forms of verbal dishonesty, reinforcing the idea that a person's word should be consistently reliable and trustworthy (compare [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are an Abomination to the Lord")). Secondly, it underscores **Justice and Fairness**, particularly within the legal and social spheres. False witness directly perverts justice, leading to the condemnation of the innocent or the acquittal of the guilty, thereby disrupting the divinely ordained order of equity (see [Proverbs 17:15](/proverbs/17-15 "Proverbs 17:15 - Acquitting the Guilty and Condemning the Righteous")). Finally, the verse highlights **Neighborly Responsibility**, emphasizing that our words have a profound and lasting impact on those around us. It calls for a considerate and ethical use of speech that builds up, rather than tears down, aligning perfectly with the broader biblical principle of loving one's neighbor (e.g., [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself") and [Matthew 22:39](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - The Second Great Commandment")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Witness (Hebrew, _ʻêd'_):** This term (H5707) concretely refers to one who gives testimony, particularly in a legal or judicial setting. It implies someone who has seen or heard something and is called upon to state the facts. The prohibition here is not against being a witness per se, but against being a *false* witness, one who testifies untruthfully or without legitimate basis. The integrity of the witness was paramount in ancient legal systems, as their word could determine life or death, freedom or bondage.
* **Without cause (Hebrew, _chinnâm'_):** This word (H2600) signifies "gratuitously," "for nothing," or "falsely." When applied to being a witness, it indicates that the testimony is baseless, malicious, or motivated by ill will rather than by truth or necessity. It highlights the profound injustice of an accusation made without any legitimate foundation, for selfish reasons, or simply out of spite, leading to undeserved harm for the accused.
* **Deceive (Hebrew, _pâthâh'_):** While this root (H6601) can mean "to open" or "entice" in a neutral sense, in this context, it carries the strong negative connotation of misleading, seducing, or persuading through falsehoods. It speaks to the act of verbal manipulation or misrepresentation, using one's lips to lead another astray from the truth, whether through outright lies, subtle distortions, malicious insinuation, or flattery designed to exploit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause":** This initial clause directly addresses the act of bearing false witness, particularly in a formal or public setting. It unequivocally forbids testifying against a fellow community member when there is no legitimate reason or factual basis for the accusation. This extends beyond formal legal settings to encompass any form of public or private denouncement that is unfounded, malicious, or designed to harm another's reputation or standing. It emphasizes the ethical imperative to protect one's neighbor from unjust harm caused by one's words, upholding the principle of righteous judgment.
* **"and deceive not with thy lips":** This second clause broadens the scope of the prohibition from specific false testimony to general verbal deceit. "Deceive with thy lips" refers to any use of speech that misleads, manipulates, or betrays trust. It is a comprehensive warning against all forms of dishonesty in communication, highlighting that one's words, emanating from the lips, must be instruments of truth and integrity, not falsehood or treachery. This reinforces the idea that all speech should be characterized by honesty, reliability, and a genuine commitment to truth in all interactions.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 24:28 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound ethical instruction. The primary device is **Prohibition**, expressed through the emphatic negative commands "Be not" and "deceive not," which unequivocally forbid specific actions. This direct imperative structure highlights the gravity and seriousness of the offenses. There is also a clear instance of **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and deceive not with thy lips") reinforces and expands upon the first ("Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause"). While the first focuses on the formal act of false witness, the second broadens the warning to encompass all forms of verbal deceit, demonstrating that the underlying principle of truthfulness applies universally to all speech. Furthermore, the phrase "with thy lips" is an example of **Metonymy**, where "lips" stand in for the act of speaking or the words themselves. This device makes the warning more visceral and personal, directly connecting the act of deception to the speaker's own mouth and the words that issue forth from it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 24:28 integrates deeply with the broader biblical emphasis on truth as an intrinsic attribute of God and a non-negotiable requirement for His people. God is consistently portrayed as a God of truth and justice, who utterly abhors falsehood, lying lips, and deceit. Therefore, bearing false witness or deceiving with one's lips is not merely a social transgression but a profound theological offense, a direct violation of God's character and His holy moral law. This proverb calls believers to embody divine truthfulness in all their interactions, recognizing that their words possess immense power—the power to uphold justice or to pervert it, to build trust or to destroy it. It underscores the sanctity of truth in every aspect of life, from formal legal proceedings to everyday conversations, reflecting a commitment to righteousness that honors God and fosters the flourishing of the community.

* [Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "The Ninth Commandment")
* [Psalm 15:1-3](/psalms/15-1-3 "Who May Dwell on Your Holy Hill?")
* [Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Put Away Falsehood and Speak Truth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 24:28 remains profoundly relevant in a contemporary world saturated with information and increasingly prone to misinformation, disinformation, and the rapid spread of unverified claims. It challenges us to cultivate a radical and unwavering commitment to truthfulness in all our communications, whether in intimate personal conversations, demanding professional settings, or expansive online interactions. In an age where reputations can be irrevocably damaged by a single tweet, an unverified post, or a malicious rumor, the warning against bearing witness "without cause" serves as a powerful call to discernment, caution, and rigorous verification before speaking or sharing. We are called to be vigilant guardians of truth, steadfastly refusing to participate in gossip, slander, or the casual dissemination of baseless accusations. Furthermore, the command not to "deceive with thy lips" extends to all forms of verbal dishonesty, urging us to speak with integrity, transparency, and genuine intent, thereby fostering environments of trust and mutual respect rather than suspicion and manipulation. Our words are incredibly powerful instruments; this proverb serves as a timeless reminder of our profound accountability to God and to our neighbor for how we wield them, encouraging us always to use them to build up, to reveal truth, and to foster justice, never to tear down or mislead.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I most tempted to speak "without cause" or to "deceive with my lips"?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a greater, more consistent commitment to truthfulness in my daily conversations and digital interactions?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my words consistently contribute to justice, trust, and flourishing within my community, rather than undermining these vital aspects?**

### FAQ
**What does "without cause" mean in the context of this proverb?**

Answer: In Proverbs 24:28, "without cause" (Hebrew: _chinnâm_) means without legitimate reason, basis, or justification. It implies that the witness's testimony or accusation is baseless, unfounded, malicious, or given for selfish and unrighteous motives rather than for the sake of truth or justice. It highlights the grave injustice of an accusation made for no good reason, which can severely harm an innocent person's reputation, livelihood, or even life, demonstrating a profound lack of integrity and love for one's neighbor.

**How does this proverb relate to modern communication and social media?**

Answer: This proverb is exceptionally relevant and critically important today. In the age of social media, where information spreads rapidly and often without verification, the warning against being a "witness against thy neighbour without cause" speaks directly to the pervasive dangers of spreading unverified rumors, engaging in online slander, or making baseless accusations. The command not to "deceive with thy lips" applies to all forms of digital communication—from posts and comments to shares and direct messages—urging us to maintain unwavering integrity, honesty, and responsibility in our words. It calls for profound discernment and ethical conduct in all our verbal and written interactions, recognizing the immense and far-reaching impact our words have on others' reputations, emotional well-being, and the broader social fabric.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 24:28, with its profound emphasis on truthfulness, integrity, and justice in speech, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of truth, declaring, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Unlike those who bear false witness or deceive with their lips, Jesus spoke only truth, even when it led to His own suffering, rejection, and ultimately, His crucifixion. He was the innocent One, falsely accused and subjected to the ultimate "witness without cause" against Him, yet He did not deceive but offered Himself as the perfect, spotless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") to take away the sin of the world. His life perfectly modeled integrity, and His words were always pure, righteous, and filled with grace and truth. Furthermore, Christ is the righteous judge who will one day judge the living and the dead, exposing all falsehood and bringing perfect justice and accountability ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Will Judge the World Through Jesus")). Through His atoning sacrifice and the indwelling power of His Spirit, He enables believers to be transformed, empowering them to put away falsehood and speak truth to one another, reflecting His character and living out the very principles of honesty and justice that Proverbs 24:28 so powerfully commands ([Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Put Away Falsehood and Speak Truth")).

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

Ephesians 4:25

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Proverbs 25:18

¶ A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour [is] a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

Matthew 26:59

Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;

Matthew 26:60

But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, [yet] found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,

Proverbs 14:5

¶ A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.

Matthew 27:23

And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.

1 Samuel 22:9

Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub.