Proverbs 19:28

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about a false witness:

Proverbs 19:28 (NASBStr)

A rascally witness makes a mockery of justice,

And the mouth of the wicked spreads iniquity.

Proverbs 19:28 (NIV1984)

A corrupt witness mocks at justice,

and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.

Proverbs 19:28 (ESV)

A worthless witness mocks at justice,

and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.

There is nothing worse in an argument or dispute than a false witness.  It is especially evil when the witness has the character shown in the above proverb.  The first line of the proverb (in all translations) indicate that false statements in a dispute not only is sin, but an actual "mock" of justice.   God is a just God.  He established justice.  So, when justice is missed, ignored, squandered, or in this case, mocked, it is more than a simply act of untruth; it is a mockery of all things Godly.   The second line in these two versions seem to be different in each one.   The NASV seems to state the evil person pours out the evil from his heart and spreads the iniquity.   The NIV seems to indicate the witness is wicked and drinks in more wickedness.   The same on the EAV.  In all versions the mouth is the focus.   It might be maintained that the false witness has gulped down evil so he/she has no chance but to have it come back up and spreads more evil.  Since we are talking about a "witness" it would be wise to keep with the structure of the Hebrew poetry, where one line speaks to, or defines and adds to the other.  The witness not only mocks justice, he/she also furthers iniquity with their evil tongue.    When we don't tell the truth when called upon, we don't add the character of God in the world.  We spread iniquity.