Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.

PROVERBS 24:28KJV
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Proverbs 24:28 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 24:28 mean?

Proverbs 24:28 warns against testifying against your neighbor without a valid reason and cautions not to lie or mislead with your words. The verse calls for honesty and fairness, especially when speaking about others or giving witness.

This proverb is part of a collection of wise sayings, likely written by Solomon, aimed at teaching people how to live justly and avoid causing harm through false testimony. The verse addresses anyone who might be tempted to accuse or speak against someone else without proper cause, highlighting the importance of truthfulness and integrity in community relationships.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 24:28

  • "witness" (עֵד, ʿēd): This word refers to someone who gives testimony, especially in a legal or formal setting. The verse warns against becoming a false or unnecessary witness.
  • "neighbour" (רֵעַ, rēaʿ): This word means a fellow member of the community, not just someone who lives nearby. The verse emphasizes the responsibility to treat all people around you with fairness.
  • "cause" (חִנָּם, ḥinnām): This word means "without reason" or "without cause." The verse is not just about lying, but about speaking against someone when there is no legitimate reason to do so.
  • "deceive" (פָּתָה, pāthāh): This word often means to mislead, entice, or trick. The verse warns against using your words to intentionally mislead others.
  • "lips" (שָׂפָה, śāphāh): This word simply means "lips," representing speech or spoken words. The focus is on the honesty of what comes out of your mouth.

Why Proverbs 24:28 matters

  • This verse clarifies that it is not just outright lying that is wrong, but also giving testimony or speaking against someone without a good reason, even if the words are technically true.
  • Proverbs 24:28 highlights the social harm that can come from careless or malicious speech, especially in legal or public matters, and stresses the value of protecting others' reputations.
  • The verse fits into a broader biblical theme of justice and truthfulness, reminding readers that integrity in speech is foundational for trust and peace in any community.

Where else these words appear

“deceive” Hebrew H6601 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 9:27 God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.
  • 1 Kings 22:22 And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so.
  • Proverbs 1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

“cause” Hebrew H2600 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 29:15 And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?
  • Job 2:3 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.
  • Proverbs 3:30 Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.

“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.