A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
A person who lies about their neighbor in court is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow.
This verse is saying that lying about someone else causes serious damage, like being attacked with deadly weapons.
📚 Historical Context
The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings attributed to King Solomon, offering practical guidance for living a godly life in ancient Israel. In that society, bearing false witness was a serious offense, as it broke the Ninth Commandment and could result in severe consequences like wrongful punishment or social chaos. This proverb uses metaphors of weapons to highlight how lies destroy relationships and communities, reflecting the high value placed on truth in a culture where oral testimony often decided legal matters.
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