Proverbs 19:28

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

Proverbs 19:28 (KJV)

Context

This proverb sits among sayings about justice and instruction. The nearby verses warn that one who stops listening to correction wanders from knowledge, and that judgments are prepared for scorners. Here the focus narrows to the character of those who speak in court or about right and wrong.

Meaning

The Hebrew phrase behind “ungodly witness” is literally “a witness of Belial,” meaning a worthless or base person. Such a witness “scorneth judgment“: he treats the court, the judge, and the law with contempt. He does not fear punishment for lying. The second line pictures the wicked person’s mouth as swallowing evil like food. The word “devoureth” suggests a greedy appetite, not a casual slip. The wicked do not merely commit sin; they crave it and consume it eagerly.

Biblical connections

False witnesses appear throughout Scripture as tools of injustice. In 1 Kings 21:10, hired men accused Naboth falsely, and in Acts 6:11-13, false witnesses spoke against Stephen. Jesus taught that the mouth speaks from the heart’s abundance (Matthew 12:34). A person’s words reveal what fills the inner life. Christ, called the faithful witness in Revelation 1:5, stands as the perfect opposite of the ungodly witness.

Application

This verse calls readers to value truth in every setting, especially when speaking about others. It warns against treating sin lightly or excusing our own wrongdoing. Our words should build justice, not destroy it. When tempted to twist the truth for advantage, remember that God sees and will judge.

Reflection

Do our words show reverence for justice or contempt for it? Do we feed on evil like food, or hunger for righteousness? The proverb invites honest self-examination. It also offers hope: Christ, the true witness, forgives those who repent of wicked speech and changes the heart so that truth flows from it.