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.