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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 19:28 A corrupt witness mocks justice, and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/19-28.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/20_Pro_19_28.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 19:28 - The Man of Integrity" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="A corrupt witness mocks justice, and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/19.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />A worthless witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A corrupt witness mocks justice, and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/19.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/19.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A disreputable witness scorns justice, And the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A worthless witness makes a mockery of justice, And the mouth of the wicked swallows wrongdoing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/19.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A rascally witness makes a mockery of justice, And the mouth of the wicked spreads iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A rascally witness makes a mockery of justice, And the mouth of the wicked spreads iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A vile witness scoffs at justice, And the mouth of the wicked swallows up iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A wicked <i>and</i> worthless witness mocks justice, And the mouth of the wicked spreads iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A worthless witness mocks justice, and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A worthless witness mocks justice, and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/19.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A worthless witness mocketh at justice; And the mouth of the wicked swalloweth iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />A lying witness makes fun of the court system, and criminals think crime is really delicious. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/19.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A worthless witness mocketh at judgment: and the mouth of the wicked swalloweth iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A worthless witness mocks justice, and the mouths of wicked people swallow up trouble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/19.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />There is no justice where a witness is determined to hurt someone. Wicked people love the taste of evil. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/19.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A corrupt witness mocks justice, and the wicked person feeds on iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/19.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A crooked witness scorns justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A corrupt witness mocks justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A corrupt witness mocks justice, and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/19.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A corrupt witness mocks justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down iniquity. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A worthless witness scorns judgment, "" And the mouth of the wicked swallows iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A worthless witness scorneth judgment, And the mouth of the wicked swalloweth iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A witness of Belial shall mock judgment: and the mouth of the unjust will swallow down iniquity.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />An unjust witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />An unjust witness ridicules judgment. And the mouth of the impious devours iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/19.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />An unprincipled witness scoffs at justice, and the mouth of the wicked pours out iniquity. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />A worthless witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />An ungodly witness scorns justice; and the mouth of the wicked devours him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/19.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />An evil witness is loud in judgment, and the mouth of the evil swallows him up.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/19.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />An ungodly witness mocketh at right; And the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/19.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He that becomes surety for a foolish child will despise the ordinance: and the mouth of ungodly men shall drink down judgement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/19-28.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3909" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/19.htm">The Man of Integrity</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">27</span>If you cease to hear instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge. <span class="reftext">28</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1100.htm" title="1100: bə·lî·ya·‘al (N-ms) -- Worthlessness. From bliy and ya'al; without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness.">A corrupt</a> <a href="/hebrew/5707.htm" title="5707: ‘êḏ (N-msc) -- A witness. Contracted from uwd; concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e. Prince.">witness</a> <a href="/hebrew/3887.htm" title="3887: yā·lîṣ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to make mouths at, i.e. To scoff; hence to interpret, or intercede.">mocks</a> <a href="/hebrew/4941.htm" title="4941: miš·pāṭ (N-ms) -- Judgment. ">justice,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rə·šā·‘îm (Adj-mp) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">and a wicked</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: ū·p̄î (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">mouth</a> <a href="/hebrew/1104.htm" title="1104: yə·ḇal·la‘- (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- To swallow down, swallow up, engulf. A primitive root; to make away with; generally, to destroy.">swallows</a> <a href="/hebrew/205.htm" title="205: ’ā·wen (N-ms) -- From an unused root perhaps meaning properly, to pant; strictly nothingness; also trouble. Vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol.">iniquity.</a> </span><span class="reftext">29</span>Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/10-7.htm">Psalm 10:7</a></span><br />His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and violence; trouble and malice are under his tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/59-3.htm">Isaiah 59:3-4</a></span><br />For your hands are stained with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters injustice. / No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case honestly. They rely on empty pleas; they tell lies; they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34-37</a></span><br />You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. / But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-6.htm">James 3:6-8</a></span><br />The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. / All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, / but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/58-3.htm">Psalm 58:3-4</a></span><br />The wicked are estranged from the womb; the liars go astray from birth. / Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like a cobra that shuts its ears,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-13.htm">Romans 3:13-14</a></span><br />“Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips.” / “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-23.htm">Isaiah 5:23</a></span><br />who acquit the guilty for a bribe and deprive the innocent of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/7-3.htm">Micah 7:3</a></span><br />Both hands are skilled at evil; the prince and the judge demand a bribe. When the powerful utters his evil desire, they all conspire together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-18.htm">Matthew 15:18-19</a></span><br />But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man. / For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-26.htm">Jeremiah 5:26-28</a></span><br />For among My people are wicked men; they watch like fowlers lying in wait; they set a trap to catch men. / Like cages full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit. Therefore they have become powerful and rich. / They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-1.htm">Hosea 4:1-2</a></span><br />Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a case against the people of the land: “There is no truth, no loving devotion, and no knowledge of God in the land! / Cursing and lying, murder and stealing, and adultery are rampant; one act of bloodshed follows another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/4-2.htm">1 Timothy 4:2</a></span><br />influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/12-2.htm">Psalm 12:2-4</a></span><br />They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart. / May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue. / They say, “With our tongues we will prevail. We own our lips—who can be our master?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/32-6.htm">Isaiah 32:6</a></span><br />For a fool speaks foolishness; his mind plots iniquity. He practices ungodliness and speaks falsely about the LORD; he leaves the hungry empty and deprives the thirsty of drink.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-3.htm">2 Peter 2:3</a></span><br />In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">An ungodly witness scorns judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/21-10.htm">1 Kings 21:10,13</a></b></br> And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And <i>then</i> carry him out, and stone him, that he may die… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/6-11.htm">Acts 6:11-13</a></b></br> Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and <i>against</i> God… </p><p class="hdg">scorneth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/10-5.htm">Psalm 10:5,11</a></b></br> His ways are always grievous; thy judgments <i>are</i> far above out of his sight: <i>as for</i> all his enemies, he puffeth at them… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/28-14.htm">Isaiah 28:14-18</a></b></br> Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which <i>is</i> in Jerusalem… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/18-2.htm">Luke 18:2-4</a></b></br> Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: … </p><p class="hdg">the</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Proverbs 15:14</a></b></br> The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/15-16.htm">Job 15:16</a></b></br> How much more abominable and filthy <i>is</i> man, which drinketh iniquity like water?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/20-12.htm">Job 20:12,13</a></b></br> Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, <i>though</i> he hide it under his tongue; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/6-12.htm">Corrupt</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-18.htm">Decision</a> <a href="/psalms/50-3.htm">Devoureth</a> <a href="/psalms/50-3.htm">Devours</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-23.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-25.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-27.htm">Good-For-Nothing</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-6.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/acts/25-17.htm">Judge's</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-5.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-5.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-22.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-22.htm">Mockery</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-5.htm">Mocketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-5.htm">Mocks</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-24.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-2.htm">Right</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-34.htm">Scorneth</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-15.htm">Sends</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-5.htm">Sport</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-28.htm">Spreads</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-4.htm">Stream</a> <a href="/psalms/106-17.htm">Swalloweth</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-27.htm">Ungodly</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-5.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-9.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-27.htm">Worthless</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/25-26.htm">Corrupt</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-26.htm">Decision</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-25.htm">Devoureth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-20.htm">Devours</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-8.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-7.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-19.htm">Good-For-Nothing</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-15.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/matthew/27-19.htm">Judge's</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-8.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-8.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-1.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-15.htm">Mockery</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-17.htm">Mocketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-17.htm">Mocks</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-17.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-11.htm">Right</a> <a href="/job/39-7.htm">Scorneth</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-6.htm">Sends</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-19.htm">Sport</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-5.htm">Spreads</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Stream</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-20.htm">Swalloweth</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-17.htm">Ungodly</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-26.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-28.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-19.htm">Worthless</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 19</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm">Life and Conduct</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/19.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/19.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A corrupt witness mocks justice</b><br>A corrupt witness refers to someone who deliberately provides false testimony, undermining the judicial process. In ancient Israel, justice was a foundational principle, with the legal system designed to reflect God's righteousness. The ninth commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (<a href="/exodus/20-16.htm">Exodus 20:16</a>), underscores the importance of truthfulness. False testimony could lead to severe consequences, including the miscarriage of justice and the punishment of the innocent. The Hebrew legal system required multiple witnesses to establish a matter (<a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a>), highlighting the seriousness of truthful testimony. The act of mocking justice by a corrupt witness is a direct affront to God's character, as He is depicted as a just judge throughout Scripture (<a href="/psalms/9-7.htm">Psalm 9:7-8</a>). This phrase also connects to the trial of Jesus, where false witnesses were brought against Him (<a href="/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59-61</a>), illustrating the ultimate miscarriage of justice.<p><b>and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity</b><br>A wicked mouth represents speech that is deceitful, slanderous, or harmful. Iniquity refers to moral wrongdoing or sin. The imagery of swallowing iniquity suggests an eagerness or willingness to embrace and perpetuate sin through one's words. In the cultural context of the Bible, speech was considered a powerful tool that could either build up or destroy (<a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a>). The wicked mouth is contrasted with the righteous speech that brings life and healing (<a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18</a>). This phrase warns against the dangers of using one's words to promote evil, as seen in the broader biblical narrative where the tongue is described as a "restless evil" (<a href="/james/3-8.htm">James 3:8</a>). The connection to other scriptures, such as <a href="/psalms/5-9.htm">Psalm 5:9</a>, which describes the deceitful nature of the wicked, reinforces the idea that God values integrity and truth in speech. The ultimate example of righteous speech is found in Jesus Christ, whose words were always aligned with truth and grace (<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/c/corrupt_witness.htm">Corrupt Witness</a></b><br>This refers to an individual who gives false testimony, thereby perverting justice. In the context of ancient Israel, witnesses played a crucial role in legal proceedings, and their integrity was vital for justice to be served.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/justice.htm">Justice</a></b><br>A central theme in the Bible, justice represents fairness and righteousness. In Hebrew, the word for justice is "mishpat," which encompasses the idea of God's order and moral law.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>This term describes those who live in opposition to God's commandments, often characterized by deceit and immorality.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/iniquity.htm">Iniquity</a></b><br>Iniquity refers to gross injustice or wickedness. The Hebrew word "avon" implies a twisting or perversion of what is right.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_truthfulness.htm">The Importance of Truthfulness</a></b><br>As followers of Christ, we are called to be people of truth. Bearing false witness not only harms others but also dishonors God, who is the ultimate judge of all.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_our_speech.htm">Guarding Our Speech</a></b><br>Our words have power. We must be vigilant to ensure that our speech reflects righteousness and not wickedness. This includes avoiding gossip, slander, and deceit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_injustice.htm">The Consequences of Injustice</a></b><br>Injustice leads to societal decay. As Christians, we should advocate for justice and righteousness in our communities, reflecting God's heart for fairness and equity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a></b><br>We must regularly examine our own hearts and actions to ensure we are not partaking in or supporting iniquity. Repentance and seeking God's guidance are crucial.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/influence_of_the_wicked.htm">Influence of the Wicked</a></b><br>Be aware of the influence of the wicked around us. We must stand firm in our faith and not be swayed by those who mock justice and embrace sin.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_19.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 19</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_widows.htm">What is the Bible's stance on snitching?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_respond_to_those_who_wrong_us.htm">How should we respond to those who wrong us?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_fight_his_people_in_jer_21_4-7.htm">Why does Jeremiah 21:4-7 depict God actively fighting against His own people, contradicting the notion of a loving deity?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_show_love_and_kindness.htm">When is it time to be silent or speak?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/19.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(28) <span class= "bld">An ungodly (worthless)</span> <span class= "bld">witness scorneth judgment.</span>--Despises the orders of the Law to avoid perjury (<a href="/exodus/20-16.htm" title="You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.">Exodus 20:16</a>; <a href="/leviticus/5-1.htm" title="And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he has seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity.">Leviticus 5:1</a>). (Comp. <a href="/1_kings/8-31.htm" title="If any man trespass against his neighbor, and an oath be laid on him to cause him to swear, and the oath come before your altar in this house:">1Kings 8:31</a>).<p><span class= "bld">The mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.</span>--As a dainty morsel. (Comp. <a href="/proverbs/18-8.htm" title="The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.">Proverbs 18:8</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 28.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">An ungodly</span> (<span class="accented">worthless</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>witness scorneth judgment;</span> derides the Law which denounces perjury and compels a witness to speak truth (<a href="/exodus/20-16.htm">Exodus 20:16</a>; <a href="/leviticus/5-1.htm">Leviticus 5:1</a>), and, as is implied he bears false testimony, thus proving himself "a witness of Belial," according to the Hebrew term. Septuagint, "He who becometh security for a foolish child outrages judgment." <span class="cmt_word">The mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity;</span> swallows it eagerly as a toothsome morsel (<a href="/proverbs/18-8.htm">Proverbs 18:8</a>). So we have in <a href="/job/15-16.htm">Job 15:16</a>,"A man that drinketh iniquity like water" (see on Proverbs 26:6). Such a man will lie and slander with the utmost pleasure, living and battening on wickedness. Septuagint, "The mouth of the impious drinketh judgments (<span class="greek">κρίσεις</span>)," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> boldly transgresses the Law. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/19-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">A corrupt</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּ֭לִיַּעַל</span> <span class="translit">(bə·lî·ya·‘al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1100.htm">Strong's 1100: </a> </span><span class="str2">Without profit, worthlessness, destruction, wickedness </span><br /><br /><span class="word">witness</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵ֣ד</span> <span class="translit">(‘êḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5707.htm">Strong's 5707: </a> </span><span class="str2">A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince</span><br /><br /><span class="word">mocks</span><br /><span class="heb">יָלִ֣יץ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·lîṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3887.htm">Strong's 3887: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker</span><br /><br /><span class="word">justice,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשְׁפָּ֑ט</span> <span class="translit">(miš·pāṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4941.htm">Strong's 4941: </a> </span><span class="str2">A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and a wicked</span><br /><span class="heb">רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(rə·šā·‘îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7563.htm">Strong's 7563: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wrong, an, bad person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">mouth</span><br /><span class="heb">וּפִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·p̄î)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">swallows</span><br /><span class="heb">יְבַלַּע־</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ḇal·la‘-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1104.htm">Strong's 1104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To swallow down, swallow up, engulf</span><br /><br /><span class="word">iniquity.</span><br /><span class="heb">אָֽוֶן׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·wen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_205.htm">Strong's 205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strictly nothingness, trouble, vanity, wickedness, an idol</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/19-28.htm">Proverbs 19:28 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/19-28.htm">Proverbs 19:28 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/19-28.htm">Proverbs 19:28 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/19-28.htm">Proverbs 19:28 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/19-28.htm">Proverbs 19:28 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/19-28.htm">Proverbs 19:28 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/19-28.htm">Proverbs 19:28 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/19-28.htm">Proverbs 19:28 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/19-28.htm">Proverbs 19:28 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/19-28.htm">Proverbs 19:28 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/19-28.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 19:28 A corrupt witness mocks justice and (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/19-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 19:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 19:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/19-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 19:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 19:29" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>