Proverbs 25:18 Meaning and Explanation
“A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Someone who lies about his neighbor in court is a weapon of destruction against him.
The Context of Proverbs 25:18
The deadly harm caused by bearing false witness.
What Does Proverbs 25:18 Mean?
False witness is one of the most serious wrongs in biblical law. A maul, a sword, and a sharp arrow are all weapons designed to wound and kill. This verse declares that false testimony is equally destructive: it can ruin a man's reputation, cost him his property, his freedom, or even his life. The false witness wields these weapons deliberately.
In a legal system that depends on truth, false testimony is a profound betrayal. It attacks not just the defendant but the very foundation of justice. The language shows the gravity with which this was regarded: the false witness is not just a liar, but a violent aggressor against his neighbor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 25:18
What does Proverbs 25:18 mean?
Someone who lies about his neighbor in court is a weapon of destruction against him.
What is the context of Proverbs 25:18?
The deadly harm caused by bearing false witness.