Proverbs 6:19 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 6:19 mean?

Proverbs 6:19 warns against two kinds of harmful behavior: giving false testimony and deliberately causing conflict among close companions or family. The verse highlights these actions as especially destructive and morally wrong in the eyes of the book’s wise teacher.

In Proverbs, a father is teaching his son about behaviors that are detestable to God, listing them as things to avoid. This verse is part of a longer list, and it singles out lying in court or about others, as well as stirring up trouble among people who should be united. The focus is on the damage such actions do to trust and community.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 6:19

• The word for "false" is שֶׁקֶר (sheqer), which means something deceptive or untrue. This emphasizes that the witness is not just mistaken, but intentionally dishonest.
• "Witness" is עֵד (ed), referring to someone who gives testimony, often in a legal or community setting. The verse points to the seriousness of lying when others are depending on the truth.
• "Soweth" is שָׁלַח (shalach), which literally means to send out or let loose. Here, it paints a picture of someone actively spreading conflict, not just passively allowing it.
• "Discord" is מָדוֹן (madon), meaning strife or quarrel. This word highlights the sense of division and ongoing argument, especially among "brethren" (אַחִים, achim), which usually means family or close community.

Why Proverbs 6:19 matters

• Proverbs 6:19 clarifies that both lying and intentionally causing division are not just personal failings, but actions that threaten the fabric of a community or family.
• The verse connects to the broader passage (Proverbs 6:16–19), which lists things God hates, showing that these behaviors are especially serious in the biblical worldview.
• By naming these actions together, the proverb warns that both false words and divisive actions can be equally damaging, reminding readers to value honesty and peace among those closest to them.