Proverbs 25:18

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

A man {H376} that beareth {H6030} false {H8267} witness {H5707} against his neighbour {H7453} is a maul {H4650}, and a sword {H2719}, and a sharp {H8150} arrow {H2671}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Like a club, a sword or a sharp arrow is a person who gives false testimony against a neighbor.

Berean Standard Bible

Like a club or sword or sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.

American Standard Version

A man that beareth false witness against his neighbor Is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 25:18 powerfully condemns the act of bearing false witness, portraying the slanderer as a dangerous arsenal of destruction. Through vivid metaphorical language, the proverb likens the individual who fabricates lies against their neighbor to a maul, a sword, and a sharp arrow, emphasizing the profound, multifaceted, and devastating harm that deceitful words can inflict upon a person's reputation, relationships, and well-being. It serves as a stark warning about the tangible consequences of intangible falsehoods.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 25 is part of a collection of "Proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out" (Proverbs 25:1). This chapter, like much of the book, offers practical wisdom for righteous living, focusing on interpersonal relationships, the conduct of kings, and the nature of wisdom itself. Verses immediately preceding and following Proverbs 25:18 deal with themes of proper speech, self-control, and the consequences of one's actions. For example, [Proverbs 25:15](/proverbs/25-15 "Proverbs 25:15 - Patience and Persuasion") speaks of patience and a soft tongue, while [Proverbs 25:19](/proverbs/25-19 "Proverbs 25:19 - Trusting the Unfaithful") discusses the folly of trusting an unfaithful person in times of trouble. This places the warning against false witness within a broader discourse on the power and responsibility of words in community life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, a person's reputation and standing within the community were paramount. Bearing false witness was not merely a social faux pas but a grave legal and moral offense, directly violating the [Ninth Commandment](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment") ("You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor"). Such an act could lead to severe consequences for the accused, including unjust legal judgments, loss of property, public shaming, or even capital punishment, as seen in the case of Naboth's vineyard in [1 Kings 21](/1_kings/21 "1 Kings 21 - Naboth's Vineyard"). The legal system relied heavily on oral testimony, making truthful witness essential for justice. Furthermore, the imagery of weapons like the maul, sword, and arrow reflects the common instruments of warfare and personal defense in the ancient Near East, making the destructive power of false witness immediately relatable and terrifying to the original audience.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several overarching themes found throughout the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Destructive Power of the Tongue**, a recurring motif in wisdom literature, highlighting that words, though intangible, can inflict damage as real and painful as physical weapons. This theme is echoed in passages like [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Power of Life and Death in the Tongue"), which states, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." Secondly, it emphasizes the **Importance of Truth and Integrity**, implicitly championing honesty as foundational to a just and harmonious society, contrasting sharply with the deceit and treachery it condemns. Finally, it speaks to the **Consequences of Unrighteousness**, demonstrating that actions, particularly those involving malice and falsehood, inevitably lead to severe negative outcomes, not only for the victim but often for the perpetrator as well, aligning with the retribution principle often found in the wisdom tradition (e.g., [Proverbs 11:3](/proverbs/11-3 "Proverbs 11:3 - Integrity Guides the Upright")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **false (Hebrew, _sheqer'_):** From H8267, meaning "an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial); without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully." This word emphasizes the inherent deceitfulness and lack of truth in the witness. It's not just a mistake, but an intentional fabrication designed to mislead and harm, highlighting the moral culpability of the one bearing the witness.
* **maul (Hebrew, _mêphîyts'_):** From H4650, meaning "a breaker, i.e. mallet; maul." This term refers to a heavy, blunt instrument, typically a war club or hammer, used for smashing and crushing. Its inclusion suggests a devastating, indiscriminate, and forceful impact, indicating that false witness can deliver a crushing blow to a person's reputation, livelihood, or very existence, leaving widespread damage.
* **arrow (Hebrew, _chêts'_):** From H2671, meaning "properly, a piercer, i.e. an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of God) thunderbolt; the shaft of a spear." This weapon, especially when described as "sharp" (H8150, _shânan'_ meaning "to point...to pierce"), signifies a swift, precise, and often unseen attack that can cause damage from a distance. It alludes to the insidious nature of gossip, slander, or rumors that spread quickly and inflict harm without direct confrontation, often before the victim is even aware of the attack.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour":** This clause identifies the perpetrator and their specific harmful action. The "man" (H376, _ʼîysh'_) is any individual, highlighting the universal applicability of the warning. "Beareth false witness" (H6030, _ʻânâh'_ for "beareth" and H8267, _sheqer'_ for "false" with H5707, _ʻêd'_ for "witness") describes the act of giving testimony that is intentionally untrue, aimed at harming one's "neighbour" (H7453, _rêaʻ'_), which encompasses anyone in one's community, from a close friend to a fellow citizen.
* **"is a maul":** This is the first of three powerful metaphors. The slanderer is directly equated with a "maul" (H4650, _mêphîyts'_), a heavy, blunt weapon. This imagery conveys the idea of a crushing, destructive impact, suggesting that false accusations can utterly devastate a person's life, reputation, and standing with a blunt, forceful blow.
* **"and a sword":** The second metaphor, equating the slanderer with a "sword" (H2719, _chereb'_). A sword is a sharp, cutting, and piercing weapon, capable of inflicting deep, precise, and often fatal wounds. This image speaks to the direct, incisive harm that false witness can cause, cutting away at a person's character, relationships, or livelihood with calculated malice.
* **"and a sharp arrow":** The final metaphor, comparing the slanderer to a "sharp arrow" (H8150, _shânan'_ for "sharp" and H2671, _chêts'_ for "arrow"). An arrow is a projectile weapon, capable of striking from a distance, swiftly and often unexpectedly. The "sharp" quality emphasizes its piercing effectiveness. This imagery highlights the insidious nature of false witness that can be spread subtly, from afar, or through rumor, inflicting sudden, painful, and potentially fatal damage before the victim can even react.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 25:18 is rich in **Metaphor**, which is the primary literary device employed. The verse does not say false witness is *like* a maul, sword, or arrow, but that it *is* these things, directly equating the abstract concept of slander with concrete instruments of violence. This creates a powerful and immediate understanding of the destructive nature of deceitful words. The use of multiple, distinct weapons (maul, sword, arrow) creates a cumulative effect, amplifying the sense of danger and demonstrating the varied ways in which false witness can inflict harm—from blunt, crushing blows to swift, piercing, and distant strikes. This vivid **Imagery** appeals to the senses, making the abstract concept of verbal harm tangible and terrifying. Furthermore, the progression from a heavy, close-range weapon (maul) to a direct, cutting weapon (sword) and finally to a swift, distant weapon (arrow) suggests a comprehensive and inescapable threat, illustrating the multifaceted and pervasive nature of the damage caused by falsehood. The intensity of the language also borders on **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the destructive capacity of words to underscore the gravity of the offense.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological implications of Proverbs 25:18 are profound, extending beyond mere social etiquette to touch upon the very nature of truth, justice, and the character of God. God is consistently portrayed as a God of truth and righteousness, who hates falsehood and injustice. Bearing false witness is therefore not just a transgression against a neighbor, but an offense against God's character and His moral order. It undermines the fabric of community, destroys trust, and perverts justice, all of which are anathema to God's kingdom. The proverb thus aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on the sanctity of truth and the destructive power of sin, particularly sins of the tongue, which can inflict spiritual, emotional, and social wounds as grievous as physical ones.

* [Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment")
* [Psalm 120:2-4](/psalm/120-2 "Psalm 120:2-4 - Deliverance from Lying Lips")
* [James 3:5-6](/james/3-5 "James 3:5-6 - The Power of the Tongue")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 25:18 serves as a timeless and urgent warning for all who seek to live righteously. In an age saturated with information, misinformation, and rapid communication via digital platforms, the potential for bearing false witness is amplified exponentially. Our words, whether spoken in person, typed in a message, or shared on social media, carry immense power—power to build up or to tear down. This proverb calls us to a radical self-awareness regarding our speech, urging us to consider the profound impact our words can have on others. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of truthfulness, integrity, and charity, recognizing that gossip, slander, and unsubstantiated accusations are not harmless expressions but potent weapons capable of inflicting deep and lasting wounds. We are compelled to guard our tongues, to verify information before disseminating it, and to always prioritize the well-being and reputation of our neighbor, reflecting the love that is the fulfillment of the law.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I inadvertently or intentionally bear "false witness" in my daily interactions or online communications?**
* **How does this proverb challenge my assumptions about the "harmlessness" of gossip or critical remarks about others?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my words consistently build up rather than tear down, reflecting truth and love?**

### FAQ
**What does "maul" mean in this context, and why is it used alongside a sword and arrow?**

Answer: In Proverbs 25:18, "maul" (Hebrew: *mêphîyts*) refers to a heavy, blunt war club or hammer. It is used alongside a sword and a sharp arrow to illustrate the multifaceted and devastating nature of false witness. The maul represents a crushing, blunt-force trauma, signifying the broad and destructive impact that false accusations can have on a person's reputation or life. The sword represents direct, piercing harm, like cutting away at one's character. The sharp arrow symbolizes a swift, often unseen attack that can inflict damage from a distance, akin to the spread of rumors or slander. Together, these three weapons paint a comprehensive picture of the varied and severe harm that deceitful words can cause.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 25:18, while a stark warning from the Old Testament, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of truth, proclaiming, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Unlike the one who bears false witness, Jesus consistently spoke truth, even when it led to His own suffering. Ironically, Jesus Himself was the ultimate victim of false witness, as false accusations were brought against Him by the religious authorities during His trial, leading to His crucifixion ([Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")). His unjust suffering, a direct result of malicious lies, highlights the very destruction Proverbs 25:18 warns against. Yet, through His death, Jesus disarmed the power of sin and falsehood, offering forgiveness for those who have borne false witness and empowering His followers to live lives of truth and integrity. The New Testament calls believers to "put away falsehood and speak the truth to one another" ([Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Putting Away Falsehood")), reflecting the character of Christ who is "full of grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Thus, the destructive power of false witness is ultimately overcome by the redemptive truth revealed in Christ, who enables us to use our tongues for building up rather than tearing down.

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

Psalms 57:4

My soul [is] among lions: [and] I lie [even among] them that are set on fire, [even] the sons of men, whose teeth [are] spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

Proverbs 12:18

¶ There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise [is] health.

Jeremiah 9:8

Their tongue [is as] an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: [one] speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait.

James 3:6

And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

Jeremiah 9:3

And they bend their tongues [like] their bow [for] lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.

Proverbs 24:28

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

Psalms 120:3

What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?