Proverbs 19:28 Meaning and Explanation
“An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A corrupt witness mocks justice; the wicked eagerly consume lies and corruption.
The Context of Proverbs 19:28
The corrupt hate justice and feed on lies; their words cannot be trusted.
What Does Proverbs 19:28 Mean?
An 'ungodly witness' stands in the legal assembly and scorns judgment itself—the process and the authority by which truth is supposed to prevail. Rather than participate honestly in justice, he treats it with contempt. His scorn undermines the entire system meant to protect the innocent and punish the guilty. The verse then moves inward: 'the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity'—they consume lies and wrongdoing as though it were food. They hunger for corruption and feed on it.
The two images converge: those who reject God reject justice, and those who reject justice feed on corruption. Their mouths become instruments of deception, and they become addicted to iniquity. The verse warns both against becoming such a person and against trusting the word of such a person. They have sold themselves to falsehood.
Proverbs 19:28 in the Original Language
Elil (אְלִיל), 'ungodly' — wicked, without piety or regard for God; one who acts as though God and His justice do not matter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 19:28
What does Proverbs 19:28 mean?
A corrupt witness mocks justice; the wicked eagerly consume lies and corruption.
What is the context of Proverbs 19:28?
The corrupt hate justice and feed on lies; their words cannot be trusted.