Proverbs 6:19

Commentary on Proverbs 6:19 (KJV)

Proverbs 6:19 concludes a pivotal section in the Book of Proverbs, specifically the list of "six things the LORD hates, yea, seven are an abomination unto him" found in Proverbs 6:16-19. This verse highlights two specific actions that are deeply offensive to God due to their destructive impact on individuals and communities.

Context

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom literature, offering practical guidance for righteous living based on the fear of the Lord. Chapter 6 focuses on various pitfalls to avoid, including idleness, deceit, and sexual immorality. The enumerated list of seven abominations serves as a stark warning against behaviors that fundamentally undermine God's character and the principles of justice, truth, and community harmony that He values. The two actions mentioned in verse 19 are presented as the culmination of this list, emphasizing their profound wickedness.

Key Themes

• Truth vs. Deception: "A false witness that speaketh lies" directly attacks truth and integrity. In ancient Israelite society, a false witness could lead to severe injustice, condemning the innocent or exonerating the guilty. This theme underscores the importance of honesty and the devastating consequences of perjury and slander. It is a direct violation of the Ninth Commandment against bearing false witness.
• Unity vs. Division: "He that soweth discord among brethren" speaks to the deliberate act of breaking down relationships and fostering strife within a community. This behavior is antithetical to the peace and unity that God desires for His people, as seen in passages like Psalm 133:1, which praises brethren dwelling together in unity. Such actions disrupt social harmony and are often motivated by malice or selfishness.
• God's Abhorrence of Sin: The inclusion of these two acts as the final "abomination" in a list of seven underscores God's deep detestation for actions that directly harm others and fracture relationships built on trust and love. They are not merely mistakes but deliberate choices that go against divine order.

Linguistic Insights

• "False witness" (Hebrew: 'ed shaqer): This phrase literally means "witness of falsehood" or "witness of deception." It emphasizes not just the act of lying, but doing so in a formal context, often with legal implications, where truth is paramount for justice.
• "Soweth discord" (Hebrew: meshalleach madon): The verb meshalleach means "to send forth" or "to dispatch," implying a deliberate and active propagation. Madon refers to "contention," "strife," or "quarrel." Thus, "soweth discord" vividly portrays someone actively and intentionally scattering seeds of conflict and division among people, much like a farmer sows seeds in a field. This isn't accidental disagreement but purposeful agitation.
• "Brethren" (Hebrew: 'achim): This term refers to kinsmen, fellow Israelites, or members of the same community, highlighting the internal damage caused when one within the group deliberately undermines its peace and unity.

Practical Application

Proverbs 6:19 serves as a timeless warning for believers today:

• Guard Your Tongue: We are called to speak truth and uphold integrity in all our interactions. This means avoiding gossip, slander, exaggeration, and any form of deceit that could harm another's reputation or lead to misunderstanding. Our words have immense power, as seen in James 3:8.
• Promote Unity: Christians are admonished to live in peace and unity, bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:3). This verse challenges us to actively work towards reconciliation, understanding, and harmony within our families, churches, workplaces, and communities, rather than engaging in divisive speech or actions.
• Flee Malice: The deliberate nature of "sowing discord" points to a malicious heart. We must examine our motives and repent of any desire to cause trouble or spread negativity. Instead, we are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9).

Ultimately, this verse reminds us that God is a God of truth and peace, and He detests behaviors that are contrary to His nature and destructive to His creation, particularly His people.