TRV
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 6:12–19. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Solomon here gives us,
I.The characters of one that is mischievous to man and dangerous to be dealt with.
If the slothful are to be condemned, that do nothing, much more those that do ill, and contrive to do all the ill they can. It is a naughty person that is here spoken of, Heb. A man of Belial; I think it should have been so translated, because it is a term often used in scripture, and this is the explication of it. Observe,
1.How a man of Belial is here described. He is a wicked man, that makes a trade of doing evil, especially with his tongue, for he walks and works his designs with a froward mouth (Pro 6:12), by lying and perverseness, and a direct opposition to God and man. He says and does every thing,
(1.)Very artfully and with design. He has the subtlety of the serpent, and carries on his projects with a great deal of craft and management (Pro 6:13), with his eyes, with his feet, with his fingers. He expresses his malice when he dares not speak out (so some), or, rather, thus he carries on his plot; those about him, whom he makes use of as the tools of his wickedness, understand the ill meaning of a wink of his eye, a stamp of his feet, the least motion of his fingers. He gives orders for evil-doing, and yet would not be thought to do so, but has ways of concealing what he does, so that he may not be suspected. He is a close man, and upon the reserve; those only shall be let into the secret that would do any thing he would have them to do. He is a cunning man, and upon the trick; he has a language by himself, which an honest man is not acquainted with, nor desires to be.
(2.)Very spitefully and with ill design. It is not so much ambition or covetousness that is in his heart, as downright frowardness, malice, and ill nature. He aims not so much to enrich and advance himself as to do an ill turn to those about him. He is continually devising one mischief or other, purely for mischief-sake - a man of Belial indeed, of the devil, resembling him not only in subtlety, but in malice.
2.What his doom is (Pro 6:15): His calamity shall come and he shall be broken; he that devised mischief shall fall into mischief. His ruin shall come,
(1.)Without warning. It shall come suddenly: Suddenly shall he be broken, to punish him for all the wicked arts he had to surprise people into his snares.
(2.)Without relief. He shall be irreparably broken, and never able to piece again: He shall be broken without remedy. What relief can he expect that has disobliged all mankind? He shall come to his end and none shall help him, Dan 11:45.
II.A catalogue of those things which are in a special manner odious to God, all which are generally to be found in those men of Belial whom he had described in the foregoing verses; and the last of them (which, being the seventh, seems especially to be intended, because he says they are six, yea, seven) is part of his character, that he sows discord. God hates sin; he hates every sin; he can never be reconciled to it; he hates nothing but sin. But there are some sins which he does in a special manner hate; and all those here mentioned are such as are injurious to our neighbour. It is an evidence of the good-will God bears to mankind that those sins are in a special manner provoking to him which are prejudicial to the comfort of human life and society. Therefore the men of Belial must expect their ruin to come suddenly, and without remedy, because their practices are such as the Lord hates and are an abomination to him, Pro 6:16. Those things which God hates it is no thanks to us to hate in others, but we must hate them in ourselves.
1.Haughtiness, conceitedness of ourselves, and contempt of others - a proud look. There are seven things that God hates, and pride is the first, because it is at the bottom of much sin and gives rise to it. God sees the pride in the heart and hates it there; but, when it prevails to that degree that the show of men's countenance witnesses against them that they overvalue themselves and undervalue all about them, this is in a special manner hateful to him, for then pride is proud of itself and sets shame at defiance.
2.Falsehood, and fraud, and dissimulation. Next to a proud look nothing is more an abomination to God than a lying tongue; nothing more sacred than truth, nor more necessary to conversation than speaking truth. God and all good men hate and abhor lying.
3.Cruelty and blood-thirstiness. The devil was, from the beginning, a liar and a murderer (Joh 8:44), and therefore, as a lying tongue, so hands that shed innocent blood are hateful to God, because they have in them the devil's image and do him service.
4.Subtlety in the contrivance of sin, wisdom to do evil, a heart that designs and a head that devises wicked imaginations, that is acquainted with the depths of Satan and knows how to carry on a covetous, envious, revengeful plot, most effectually. The more there is of craft and management in sin the more it is an abomination to God.
5.Vigour and diligence in the prosecution of sin - feet that are swift in running to mischief, as if they were afraid of losing time or were impatient of delay in a thing they are so greedy of. The policy and vigilance, the eagerness and industry, of sinners, in their sinful pursuits, may shame us who go about that which is good so awkwardly and so coldly.
6.False-witness bearing, which is one of the greatest mischiefs that the wicked imagination can devise, and against which there is least fence. There cannot be a greater affront to God (to whom in an oath appeal is made) nor a greater injury to our neighbour (all whose interests in this world, even the dearest, lie open to an attack of this kind) than knowingly to give in a false testimony. There are seven things which God hates, and lying involves two of them; he hates it, and doubly hates it.
7.Making mischief between relations and neighbours, and using all wicked means possible, not only to alienate their affections one from another, but to irritate their passions one against another. The God of love and peace hates him that sows discord among brethren, for he delights in concord. Those that by tale-bearing and slandering, by carrying ill-natured stories, aggravating every thing that is said and done, and suggesting jealousies and evil surmises, blow the coals of contention, are but preparing for themselves a fire of the same nature.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
“A heart that forges evil thoughts.” Indeed, since the heart was impure, it also made the limbs impure, so that it shed the poison to its extremities.… By “brothers” he [Solomon] means those who have obtained the grace of adoption and are subjected to Christ our father. When unjust or lustful thoughts come to them, these thoughts try to trouble them. In fact, they inflame them to anger which causes hatred, and to evil desires which bring about immoral actions.
“A proud eye, an unjust tongue, hands that shed just blood.” He [Solomon] emphasizes evil actions through members of the body used wickedly. As the eye, the tongue and the hands act in the body, in the same manner reflection, impulse and decision act in the soul. And, he [Solomon] did not enumerate these things to us without reason, but in order that we might learn to be moderate through them. Those who, while drinking the blood of the Lord, yet remain polluted with iniquity are shedding the blood of the just.
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Summary
Proverbs 6:19 concludes a profound list of "six things the LORD hates, yea, seven are an abomination unto him" (Proverbs 6:16-19), specifically condemning two actions that profoundly offend God due to their destructive impact on truth, justice, and communal harmony. It identifies the "false witness who speaks lies" and the one "who sows discord among brethren" as engaging in behaviors that are antithetical to God's character and His desire for integrity and unity among His people, highlighting their deep wickedness and the divine detestation they incur.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 6:19 stands as the culmination of a distinct sapiential unit within the "Solomonic" collection (Proverbs 10:1-22:16), specifically concluding the enumerated list of "seven abominations" to the Lord (Proverbs 6:16-19). This list follows warnings against idleness (Proverbs 6:6-11) and the deceitful, perverse man (Proverbs 6:12-15), serving as a stark summary of behaviors that fundamentally oppose divine wisdom and righteous living. The structure, moving from six to seven, emphasizes the completeness and intensity of God's abhorrence for these specific sins, with the final two acts in verse 19 presented as particularly egregious, encapsulating the essence of treachery and division. This numerical proverb highlights a crescendo of detestable acts, with the final two being particularly offensive to God's nature and His desire for order and truth.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israelite society, truth and community cohesion were paramount, deeply intertwined with the covenant relationship with Yahweh. The legal system relied heavily on witness testimony, making a "false witness" a grave threat to justice and social order. Perjury could lead to the unjust condemnation of the innocent or the acquittal of the guilty, directly violating the Ninth Commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" found in Exodus 20:16. Furthermore, the concept of "brethren" (Hebrew: ʼâchîm) extended beyond immediate family to include fellow Israelites and members of the covenant community, emphasizing a shared identity and mutual responsibility under God. Sowing discord among them was an act of internal sabotage, disrupting the peace and unity essential for a thriving, God-honoring society. Such actions directly undermined the communal values of trust, solidarity, and mutual support that were foundational to Israel's identity as God's people.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Proverbs. It underscores the vital importance of truth and integrity by condemning the "false witness," aligning with the book's consistent call for honesty in speech and action, as seen in Proverbs 12:22. Conversely, it highlights the destructive nature of deception and falsehood, which are repeatedly denounced throughout the wisdom literature. The condemnation of "sowing discord" emphasizes the value of unity and peace within the community, contrasting sharply with the destructive forces of strife and division. This theme resonates throughout the wisdom literature, which frequently extols the benefits of harmony, as beautifully expressed in Psalm 133:1, and warns against contention. Ultimately, the verse reinforces the theme of God's absolute abhorrence of sin, particularly those sins that directly harm others and fracture relationships, revealing His character as a God of truth, justice, and peace.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H8267) denotes an untruth, deceit, or sham. In the context of "false witness," it highlights the deliberate fabrication or distortion of truth, often with malicious intent, to deceive or mislead, particularly in a legal or testimonial setting. It speaks to the inherent dishonesty of the act, making it an abomination to God who is truth.
Derived from a form of a root meaning "contest or quarrel," mᵉdân (H4090) signifies strife, contention, or active disagreement. When one "sows discord," they are intentionally introducing elements that provoke conflict and division, disrupting peace and harmony within a community.
While shâlach (H7971) broadly means "to send away or forth," in this idiomatic phrase, it carries the nuance of actively propagating or scattering. Just as a farmer scatters seeds, the one who "sows discord" deliberately disseminates words, rumors, or actions that are designed to germinate into conflict and division among people.
Verse Breakdown
"A false witness that speaketh lies"
This clause condemns perjury and slander, highlighting an individual who deliberately fabricates or distorts truth, often in a formal setting (like a court) or through gossip, to harm another or manipulate a situation. Such an act undermines justice, trust, and the very fabric of communal integrity, as it is rooted in deceit and malice. The Hebrew emphasizes the active, intentional nature of "speaking lies," combining the idea of uttering (H6315 pûwach) with falsehood (H3577 kâzâb). This is not merely an accidental untruth but a purposeful deception.
"and he that soweth discord among brethren"
This second clause targets the deliberate instigation of strife and division within a community. "Brethren" (H251 ʼâch) refers to fellow members of the covenant community, emphasizing the internal damage caused when one actively works to break down relationships, foster animosity, and disrupt the peace and unity that God desires for His people. This is not accidental disagreement but purposeful agitation and malicious fragmentation, vividly captured by the imagery of "sowing" (H7971 shâlach) seeds of conflict (H4090 mᵉdân).
Literary Devices
Proverbs 6:19, as the final entry in a numerical proverb (Proverbs 6:16-19), employs climax to emphasize the profound wickedness of these two specific actions. The structure of "six things... yea, seven" serves as a numerical proverb, a common wisdom device that draws attention to the completeness and intensity of the list, highlighting the final items as particularly detestable. The phrase "soweth discord" is a potent metaphor, likening the malicious propagation of strife to a farmer scattering seeds. This imagery powerfully conveys the intentionality, widespread potential, and destructive harvest of such actions. Furthermore, the entire list, by enumerating behaviors that are an "abomination" to the Lord, functions as a form of antithetical parallelism in a broader sense, contrasting these abominable behaviors with the righteous conduct that God desires and which true wisdom promotes.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Proverbs 6:19 reveals God's character as fundamentally aligned with truth, justice, and peace, and His absolute opposition to anything that undermines these divine attributes. The condemnation of false witness underscores His nature as a God of truth, who cannot tolerate deceit, especially when it perverts justice and harms the innocent. Similarly, His abhorrence of those who sow discord highlights His desire for unity, harmony, and love within His covenant community, reflecting His own unified and loving nature. These actions are not merely social transgressions but direct affronts to God's moral order and His very being, demonstrating that true wisdom involves aligning one's life with God's righteous standards and actively participating in His redemptive work of reconciliation and truth.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 6:19 serves as a timeless and convicting call to self-examination for every believer. It challenges us to consider the immense power of our words and actions, recognizing their potential for either building up or tearing down. Are we purveyors of truth, integrity, and reconciliation, or do we, even subtly, engage in gossip, slander, or divisive speech that fractures relationships and undermines trust? This verse compels us to cultivate a heart that genuinely desires the well-being and unity of others, especially within the body of Christ. It urges us to be peacemakers, actively seeking to resolve conflict and foster harmony, rather than contributing to animosity. Living out this proverb means intentionally choosing honesty over deceit, and unity over division, reflecting the character of the God we serve and demonstrating the transforming power of the Gospel in our lives and communities.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are "false witness" and "sowing discord" listed as the final abominations?
These two actions are listed last in the "seven abominations" because they represent profound betrayals of truth and community, striking at the very heart of God's character and His design for human relationships. A false witness directly undermines justice, which is foundational to God's rule, and destroys trust, which is essential for any healthy society. Sowing discord among brethren attacks the unity and love that God desires for His people, fracturing the body and disrupting peace. Their inclusion as the culmination of the list emphasizes their severe impact and God's deep detestation for behaviors that are so fundamentally destructive to individuals and the collective. They are not merely mistakes but deliberate acts of malice that subvert divine order, striking at the very fabric of righteous living and communal harmony.
How does this proverb apply to modern communication, especially social media?
Proverbs 6:19 has profound relevance for the digital age. The "false witness" can manifest as spreading misinformation, engaging in online slander, or sharing unverified rumors that damage reputations or incite division. The ease of sharing information online makes it crucial to verify facts before speaking or posting, remembering the biblical call to truthfulness. Similarly, "sowing discord among brethren" is rampant on social media, where individuals can easily engage in divisive rhetoric, fuel arguments, or participate in "cancel culture" that alienates and fragments communities. The proverb calls us to exercise extreme caution and responsibility in our online interactions, prioritizing truth, kindness, and unity over sensationalism or division, remembering that our words, even digital ones, have real-world consequences and that we will give an account for every careless word, as Matthew 12:36-37 reminds us.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 6:19 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the antithesis of these abominable acts. He is the Truth incarnate (John 14:6), never speaking a lie or bearing false witness. Indeed, He was the innocent victim of false witnesses (Matthew 26:59-60), enduring their deceit and the perversion of justice for our salvation. Far from sowing discord, Jesus is our Peace (Ephesians 2:14), who came to reconcile humanity to God and to one another, breaking down the dividing walls of hostility (Ephesians 2:16). He prayed fervently for the unity of His followers (John 17:20-23), and through His indwelling Spirit, He empowers believers to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and agents of truth in a world rife with lies and division. In Christ, we find the perfect example and the divine enablement to live lives that reflect God's love for truth and unity, actively resisting the very things that are an abomination to Him.