An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.

PROVERBS 19:28KJV
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Proverbs 19:28 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 19:28 mean?

Proverbs 19:28 describes how a person who is "ungodly" gives false testimony and mocks justice, while a wicked person's speech eagerly embraces wrongdoing. The verse warns that some people not only reject what is right but also take pleasure in corrupt behavior and injustice.

In the book of Proverbs, these sayings offer practical wisdom for daily life, often contrasting good and evil. Here, the writer (traditionally Solomon) points out that some witnesses in society do not just lie—they actually despise fairness ("judgment") and are eager to speak or act in ways that spread evil. The verse highlights both the attitude and the actions of those who oppose what is right.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 19:28

  • "ungodly" (בְּלִיַּעַל, beliyya‘al): This word often means someone without moral restraint, not just someone who doesn't believe in God. It suggests a person who is actively harmful or destructive.
  • "scorneth" (לָעַג, la‘ag): This verb means to mock or ridicule. The verse is not just about ignoring justice, but openly treating it with contempt.
  • "devoureth" (בָּלַע, bala‘): This word means to swallow greedily or consume. The image is of someone who hungrily takes in wrongdoing, not just tolerating it but seeking it out.

Why Proverbs 19:28 matters

  • Proverbs 19:28 clarifies that some people are not just passively bad—they actively oppose justice and seek out evil, which is a stronger warning than simply saying they do wrong.
  • The verse emphasizes the power of words ("witness," "mouth") in spreading injustice, reminding readers that speech can be a tool for either good or harm.
  • This proverb fits into a larger theme in Proverbs about the dangers of false testimony and the importance of truthfulness in building a just society.

Where else these words appear

“ungodly” Hebrew H1100 · used in 26 verses

  • Deuteronomy 13:13 Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known;
  • 1 Samuel 25:25 Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send.
  • 2 Chronicles 13:7 And there are gathered unto him vain men, the children of Belial, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not withstand them.

“scorneth” Hebrew H3887 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 42:23 And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter.
  • Proverbs 9:7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
  • Proverbs 19:29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.

“devoureth” Hebrew H1104 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 41:7 And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream.
  • Job 8:18 If he destroy him from his place, then it shall deny him, saying, I have not seen thee.
  • Isaiah 9:16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.

“witness” Hebrew H5707 · used in 59 verses

  • Genesis 31:44 Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee.
  • Joshua 22:27 But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.
  • Proverbs 19:9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.