Question 1

What does Proverbs 25:18 mean?

Accepted Answer

Proverbs 25:18 warns that someone who lies about their neighbor is as dangerous and destructive as a heavy club, a sword, or a sharp arrow. The verse uses these vivid images to show that false testimony can seriously harm another person. This proverb is part of a collection of wise sayings attributed to Solomon, directed at anyone seeking to live wisely and justly. The verse highlights the real-world damage caused by lying about others, especially in legal or community settings where a person’s reputation or safety could be at stake.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 25:18

Accepted Answer

מַפֵּץ (mapetz, "maul"): This word means a heavy hammer or club, emphasizing blunt force and destruction. The comparison suggests that false testimony is not just a small mistake, but something that can crush or break a person. חֶרֶב (cherev, "sword"): This is the standard word for a sword, a weapon that cuts and wounds. The verse links lying to violence, showing that words can be as harmful as weapons. חֵץ שָׁנוּן (chets shanun, "sharp arrow"): The word for arrow here is paired with "sharp," stressing precision and the ability to strike from a distance. False witness can harm someone even when the liar is not physically close.

Question 3

Why Proverbs 25:18 matters

Accepted Answer

Proverbs 25:18 makes clear that lying about someone is not a minor issue, but a serious offense with real consequences, like physical violence. The verse uses three different weapons to show that false witness can harm in many ways—bluntly, deeply, or from afar—helping the reader grasp the full danger of dishonest words. This proverb fits into a broader biblical theme that values truth and warns against false testimony, especially in community and legal life.

Proverbs 25:18 (KJV)